Devonport Royal Dockyard Limited

Devonport Royal Dockyard Limited Monitoring visit report

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Name of lead inspector: Roger Pilgrim, Ofsted Inspector

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Inspection dates: 12 and 13 October 2022

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Address: H M Dockyard Plymouth PL1 4SG Monitoring visit: Devonport Royal Dockyard Limited, 12 and 13 October 2022

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Context and focus of visit

From October 2018, Ofsted undertook to carry out monitoring visits to all newly directly funded providers of apprenticeship training provision which began to be funded from April 2017 or after by the Education and Skills Funding Agency and/or the apprenticeship levy. This monitoring visit was undertaken as part of those arrangements and as outlined in the ‘Further education and skills inspection handbook’, especially the sections entitled ‘Monitoring visits’ and ‘Monitoring visits to providers that are newly directly publicly funded’. The focus of these visits is on the themes set out below.

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Context and focus of visit

Devonport Royal Dockyard Limited, which is part of the Babcock International Group, began delivering employer-provider apprenticeships in September 2021. Currently, five apprentices are on the engineering technician – maritime defence standard at level 3. The apprentices work on pipe fitting in the dockyard. All apprentices are male and two are under the age of 18.

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Significant progress

Leaders set very high standards for all apprentices to meet the exacting requirements of the maritime defence industry. They have a clear strategic ambition for their apprenticeship programme. Leaders have clear goals to lower the average age of the workforce and to develop the skills required to meet the ongoing demands of maintenance contracts with the Ministry of Defence. Apprenticeships are highly valued within the company as many directors, managers and senior engineers started their careers as apprentices.

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Significant progress

Leaders and managers have designed an apprenticeship programme that satisfies the requirements of an apprenticeship. Leaders have established very effective working relationships with the local college where trainers provide high-quality, off- the-job training. This relationship supports the effective coordination between the training at college and training at the dockyard.

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Significant progress

Leaders and managers ensure that trainers and work-based supervisors are highly skilled and very experienced engineers. They provide high-quality, on-the-job support to apprentices. This complements the highly effective training apprentices receive at college. Consequently, apprentices make rapid progress. They develop substantial new vocational knowledge, skills and behaviours required to operate successfully in a demanding engineering environment. Monitoring visit: Devonport Royal Dockyard Limited, 12 and 13 October 2022 Leaders ensure that apprentices develop carefully considered and realistic career goals. Trainers and employers provide them with effective information, advice and guidance on relevant career paths and qualifications. Apprentices are rotated between different departments to develop the widest range of skills and as a result, are exposed to a wide range of potential career paths.

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Significant progress

Leaders and managers monitor the quality of subcontracted off-the-job training very closely. As a result, they have a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the apprenticeship provision.

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Significant progress

Leaders and trainers plan well the courses that apprentices follow. Leaders structure learning in a logical way so that apprentices develop a thorough understanding of safe working practices early in their course. Apprentices attend college full time in their first year, developing the hand tool skills, fabrication and welding skills needed to be able to work safely and proficiently to the very high specifications required in the dockyard.

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Significant progress

Apprentices work effectively within teams to carry out essential planned maintenance of the Navy fleet. Senior engineers expect the highest standards, and apprentices meet these expectations. Apprentices produce high-pressure pipework for a wide variety of applications, including nuclear-safe pipework that is subjected to the highest levels of scrutiny and quality control.

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Significant progress

Apprentices undertake a personal development programme which equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive at work. It is valued highly by the apprentices. Apprentices develop skills in building resilience, reflect on boosting mental and physical well-being and undertake workshops on confidence and motivation. Apprentices also attend a weeklong residential outward-bound event, during which they develop teamwork and problem-solving skills.

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Significant progress

Apprentices’ self-confidence grows as their engineering skills develop. All apprentices improve their English, mathematics and scientific skills in the early stages of the apprenticeship. For example, they can switch between imperial and metric measurements with ease.

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Significant progress

Work-based supervisors and college trainers routinely work closely together and frequently review apprentices. Apprentices’ progress is monitored and reviewed thoroughly. Trainers and employers work effectively together to ensure apprentices have good opportunities to complete all aspects of their programme to a high standard and are prepared fully for formal assessments. Apprentices receive useful feedback on their progress and know what they need to do to improve their skills. Monitoring visit: Devonport Royal Dockyard Limited, 12 and 13 October 2022

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Significant progress

Leaders and managers place a high priority on safeguarding. All staff are trained in safeguarding and the ‘Prevent’ duty and use this knowledge to inform their training of apprentices effectively. Leaders complete the necessary checks when appointing new staff to ensure their suitability to work with apprentices. Every week, at the dockyard, everyone stops work for ‘time out for safety’ training to ensure that safe working practices are reinforced.

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Significant progress

Apprentices feel safe and know who to contact if they have a concern. Apprentices have an excellent understanding of health and safety and the safety-critical nature of the work in the dockyard. Apprentices understand the support structures that exist to help with issues such as mental health and personal well-being. They recognise the need for heightened security and follow closely the protocols set out by their employers, including the safe use of social media. Monitoring visit: Devonport Royal Dockyard Limited, 12 and 13 October 2022 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

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Significant progress

and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Significant progress

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Significant progress

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Significant 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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