JBC Skills Training Limited

JBC Skills Training Limited Report following a monitoring visit to a ‘requires improvement’ provider.

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Name of lead inspector: Stuart Collett, His Majesty’s Inspector

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Type of provider: Independent learning provider

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Address:

Sovereign House 12 Warwick Street Coventry CV5 6ET Monitoring visit: JBC Skills Training Limited, 15 and 16 May 2024

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Context and focus of visit

JBC Skills Training Limited was inspected in March 2023. At that time, inspectors judged the overall effectiveness of the provision to require improvement.

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Context and focus of visit

The focus of this monitoring visit was to evaluate the progress that leaders and managers have made in resolving the main areas for improvement identified at the previous inspection.

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Context and focus of visit

At the time of the visit, there were 46 adult learners following a level 2 diploma in information communications technician (ICT) systems support, 25 adult learners following a level 3 diploma in ICT, and 107 apprentices. Of the apprentices, 13 were on the level 3 digital marker apprenticeship, 30 were on the level 3 information communications technician apprenticeship, 56 were on the level 3 IT solutions technician apprenticeship, four were on the level 3 digital marketer apprenticeship, three were on the level 4 network engineer apprenticeship, and one apprentice was on the level 4 software developer apprenticeship.

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Significant progress

Since the previous inspection, leaders have taken rapid and significant steps to ensure that tutors of both adult learning programmes and apprenticeships obtain, and subsequently use, richer information on the starting points of learners and apprentices.

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Significant progress

In apprenticeships, tutors are now involved in the enrolment process at a much earlier stage. Tutors participate in a revised and in-depth skills scan analysis, including discussions with apprentices. They meet with apprentices’ potential employers to understand both the apprentices’ prior knowledge and skills and the job role they will undertake in the workplace.

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Significant progress

Leaders have invested in tools to support the initial assessment of learners’ and apprentices’ starting points. Tutors use these tools to identify learners’ and apprentices’ skills gaps for English and mathematics, as well as using neuro-diversity screening tools to identify their learning needs. Monitoring visit: JBC Skills Training Limited, 15 and 16 May 2024 Apprentices’ tutors use this information well to plan a challenging and ambitious curriculum. They provide apprentices with prior knowledge or experience of topics with challenging tasks to further develop their skills in these areas, and encourage them to share their knowledge and skills with their peers.

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Significant progress

In adult learning programmes, tutors use the information they receive from initial assessments to plan additional stretch and challenge exercises in modules where learners have prior knowledge. Tutors also use regular assessment points to review learners’ progress from their starting points and adjust their teaching as necessary.

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Significant progress

As a result of these actions, leaders and tutors now have a much clearer understanding of the knowledge, skills and behaviours that learners and apprentices possess at the beginning of their course or apprenticeship. They use this information well to plan additional support for learners and apprentices who need it. Leaders and tutors plan a challenging curriculum for all learners and apprentices based on the information they receive from these assessments.

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Significant progress

Since the previous inspection, leaders and managers have completed a comprehensive and effective review of their adult curriculums. They have used this information to make appropriate changes, which are already having a significant and positive impact on learners’ experience. For example, leaders have reduced the number of qualifications that learners need to complete, and lengthened the course to give learners the time they need to build their new skills over time.

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Significant progress

Leaders have planned the order of teaching carefully so that learners can link new topics to their previous learning. For example, learners first learn about different components of a computer, then about selecting appropriate operating systems and software, before being introduced to networks and topologies. As a result, learners develop an in-depth understanding of the key concepts of IT support and have the time they need to develop a deep understanding of these concepts, which prepares them for their next steps.

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Significant progress

Tutors teach lessons at a suitable rate for learners. Each day, lessons start with group teaching of theoretical concepts, and learners are able to apply these theories in practice in afternoon workshops. When needed, tutors provide effective individual support for learners during practical sessions. Tutors also support learners outside their normal lessons. As a result, learners learn new skills and knowledge at a pace that meets their individual needs, and the number of learners who successfully complete their qualifications is very high. Monitoring visit: JBC Skills Training Limited, 15 and 16 May 2024

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Significant progress

Since the previous inspection, leaders have substantially revised the process for the introduction of end-point assessment (EPA) to apprentices and their employers. They have introduced a structured plan with key milestones to ensure that apprentices and their employers are aware of the requirements for EPA from the start of their apprenticeship. Tutors then develop and reinforce this understanding during apprentices’ reviews and when approaching the end of their apprenticeship. As a result, apprentices are aware of the arrangements for their assessments, and understand the potential grades they could achieve from early on in their apprenticeship.

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Significant progress

Employers provide apprentices with opportunities to practise their skills in the workplace following their participation in apprentices’ reviews and discussions with tutors. They assign tasks to apprentices that may be outside their normal working role to support them to develop the skills they need, and gather the evidence they need to prepare for their end-point assessments.

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Significant progress

In the final phases of the apprenticeship, tutors support apprentices very well to develop their revision skills, complete mock assessments, and build their portfolio of work. Apprentices undertake mock interviews both with their tutors and with tutors they do not know, and they receive useful feedback and tips that help them to prepare for their EPA. As a result, apprentices demonstrate a clear understanding of the requirements they need to meet to pass through the gateway and be successful in their end-point assessments. Consequently, the number of apprentices who successfully achieve merit or distinction grades is increasing.

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Significant progress

Leaders and managers have developed a comprehensive career education, information, advice and guidance curriculum for learners and apprentices.

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Significant progress

Through weekly sessions and accessing a wide range of helpful materials, learners learn about a broad range of career routes and the qualifications and experience needed for them. Tutors support learners who want to move on to higher-level jobs, such as a career in cyber security, with information on the further qualifications they will need to study in this sector. Learners also benefit from a focused discussion about their next steps towards the end of their course with trained staff. Learners Monitoring visit: JBC Skills Training Limited, 15 and 16 May 2024 know how to search and apply for jobs. During the visit, learners stated that they are confident that they will be able to secure a job in the IT sector and are well informed about their potential next steps.

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Significant progress

Tutors and coaches prepare learners for the selection process of their chosen careers very well. They teach learners how to approach some of the common interview questions and support learners in preparing a CV that stands out. Learners receive useful individual support that helps them to demonstrate their technical and transferable skills through their CVs and during interviews. Learners feel confident about job interviews. Consequently, a significant number of learners have secured jobs in the IT sector.

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Significant progress

Staff provide apprentices with useful careers advice and guidance at the beginning and at key points throughout their apprenticeship. Careers and progression opportunities are discussed during tripartite reviews. Staff introduce apprentices to a range of options, including higher-level apprenticeships. For those apprentices who decide to remain with their current employer on completion of their apprenticeship, this is an informed decision, and apprentices are aware that there are other options available. As a result, apprentices are well informed about their options and potential next steps. Monitoring visit: JBC Skills Training Limited, 15 and 16 May 2024 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

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Significant progress

training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education 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

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Significant progress

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Significant progress

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Significant progress

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

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