Trans-Plant Training Limited

Trans Plant Mastertrain Limited Monitoring visit report

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Name of lead inspector: Steven Tucker, Her Majesty’s Inspector

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Inspection dates: 30 November and 1 December 2021

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Type of provider: Independent learning provider

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Address: The Matford Centre Marsh Barton Exeter Devon EX2 8FD Monitoring visit: Trans Plant Mastertrain, 30 November and 1 December 2021

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Context and focus of visit

This monitoring visit focused on arrangements to keep apprentices safe and attend to their well-being. It was carried out by two of Her Majesty’s Inspectors. It was undertaken as outlined in the further education and skills handbook.

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Context and focus of visit

Trans Plant Mastertrain (TPMT) is a small but expanding provider based in Exeter. The vast majority of its 156 apprentices are based in the south west of England. TPMT currently offers five apprenticeship programmes at level 2: large goods vehicle (LGV) driver, construction plant operative, lifting technician, supply chain warehouse operative and waste resource operative. Most of the apprentices study the LGV apprenticeship. TPMT offers one apprenticeship at level 3 in business administration.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders have a very good knowledge of the aspects of a lorry driver’s job that may affect a driver’s safety and well-being. They place a high level of importance on teaching their apprentices about these themes. As a result, apprentices speak knowledgably about how best to deal with long periods of isolation, how to stay safe online and the importance of healthy eating and hydration when on the road. Leaders’ commitment to helping their apprentices keep safe and well is exemplified by the imaginative way they promote well-being and the enthusiasm they instil in their trainers. Recently, they have collaborated with local fitness experts to produce a series of short videos filmed in lorry cabs that demonstrate exercises drivers can do during breaks. Inspectors were impressed by the passion with which trainers talked about the welfare discussions they have with apprentices at the start of each training

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Reasonable progress

session. Trainers see the safety and welfare of their apprentices as an integral part of their preparation for work, not as an add-on. Leaders thoroughly assess the risks their apprentices face from radicalisation and extremism. They use these assessments well to tailor the training for their staff and the support they provide to apprentices. Staff mostly have a very good understanding of safeguarding. However, some confuse certain legitimate organisations with extremist ideologies, and some do not have a sufficiently detailed knowledge of the statutory responsibilities for safeguarding apprentices under the age of 18 compared with older apprentices. Leaders carry out the necessary checks on new staff during their recruitment and then train them well on their responsibilities for safeguarding apprentices. Monitoring visit: Trans Plant Mastertrain, 30 November and 1 December 2021

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Reasonable progress

Leaders have constructed a well-considered programme of training on safety and well-being that goes beyond the requirements of the apprenticeship standard for driving light goods vehicles. This is also the case for the small number of apprentices on other programmes. Trainers introduce the content of the curriculum relating to safety well during induction. They build on this introduction through further activities online and during face-to-face training. These include assessments of apprentices’ knowledge, and valuable time for apprentices to discuss and explore their own attitudes, views and experiences. Apprentices were very keen to talk to inspectors about what they have learned about personal safety during the apprenticeship. Employers reported that apprentices discuss these topics enthusiastically when they return to the workplace. They also see their apprentices applying their new knowledge, for example in how they deal

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Reasonable progress

with tiredness and isolation when working. Employers appreciate the close and collaborative working relationship they have with TPMT staff. In turn, they understand, support and promote the messages about safety and well-being that their apprentices have been taught by the provider. Employers are very grateful that this emphasis on safety and well-being in the apprenticeship often exceeds their expectations. Leaders maintain contact with a useful range of external agencies to keep their knowledge of safety and well-being up to date. They use information from these agencies to give staff relevant and frequent updates.

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Reasonable progress

The strong partnership between the provider and employers comes into its own when incidents or concerns about apprentices’ safety arise. The culture of sharing information and acting in the best interests of apprentices means that apprentices and staff are supported well through any difficult times. TPMT’s leaders are quick to recognise and respond when apprentices need support and draw on the knowledge and expertise of agencies that they work with. Employers speak positively about the communication and care leaders demonstrate for their apprentices. Leaders conscientiously record a range of information about apprentices’ safety and well-being. They carefully analyse the emerging themes from this information. They use this analysis well to identify further improvements to the training and support they provide to apprentices, and to train their staff. For example, they are concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their apprentices’ mental health and

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Reasonable progress

the recent national upsurge in the reporting of sexual harm and harassment. To deal with these, leaders are supporting all staff to complete a qualification in mental Monitoring visit: Trans Plant Mastertrain, 30 November and 1 December 2021 health awareness. They are also providing training, resources and discussions for staff and apprentices to raise awareness of concerns about sexual harm. Monitoring visit: Trans Plant Mastertrain, 30 November and 1 December 2021 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council

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Reasonable progress

children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Reasonable progress

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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