KLM UK Engineering Limited

KLM UK Engineering Limited Monitoring visit report

p.1

Name of lead inspector: Mark Care, His Majesty’s Inspector

p.1

Type of provider: Independent learning provider

p.1

Address: Liberator Road Norwich International Airport Norwich Norfolk NR6 6ER Monitoring visit: KLM UK Engineering Limited, 6 and 7 November 2024

p.1

Context and focus of visit

Ofsted undertakes to carry out monitoring visits to all newly directly funded providers of apprenticeship training provision funded 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.

p.2

Context and focus of visit

KLM UK Engineering Limited (KLM) is an aircraft maintenance company based at Norwich International Airport. It has been operating as a subcontractor since 2017. KLM provides the level 3 aircraft maintenance technician apprenticeship. KLM currently provides apprenticeships solely to their own employees, with plans to extend the offer to other companies in the future.

p.2

Context and focus of visit

KLM uses a subcontractor for the teaching of English and mathematics qualifications.

p.2

Context and focus of visit

KLM started offering apprenticeships in October 2023, offering a level 3 engineering technician apprenticeship. The second cohort started in September 2024, studying the new specialist level 3 aircraft maintenance technician apprenticeship. KLM had 31 apprentices in total at the time of the visit.

p.2

Reasonable progress

Leaders make effective use of their expertise and knowledge of the aviation industry to develop a curriculum that provides opportunities for apprentices to work towards becoming the next generation of aviation engineers. Leaders have recognised the significant skills gap in the industry, largely due to an ageing workforce and aim to meet these skills needs through the apprenticeships they now offer.

p.2

Reasonable progress

Leaders have made a considerable investment to provide an industry-standard training hangar where apprentices develop the skills they need to fulfil their aviation engineering roles. These include a fully operational civilian transport aircraft and jet engine rigs for apprentices to learn in a controlled and safe way.

p.2

Reasonable progress

Leaders have strategies in place to monitor the quality of apprenticeship provision effectively. Leaders check the quality of teaching and learning frequently. Leaders do not always use the information from these activities effectively to develop instructors’ Monitoring visit: KLM UK Engineering Limited, 6 and 7 November 2024 teaching skills. Leaders do not make clear judgements of instructors’ strengths and areas for improvement, so leaders do not know the progress instructors make towards achieving their goals and targets.

p.2

Reasonable progress

Leaders ensure that subcontractors are carefully selected and monitored. Leaders observe tutors and meet with subcontractors often to review the apprentices’ progress. The few apprentices who study English and mathematics with the subcontractor make good progress and pass their qualifications.

p.3

Reasonable progress

Governors make good use of their experience in the aviation industry and apprenticeships to support and challenge the provider. Governors have helped the provider review and improve training plans so that apprentices benefit from practical learning earlier in the course. Governors continually work with leaders to streamline the information they receive so that they can further support leaders to improve provision.

p.3

Reasonable progress

Leaders have carefully considered how they plan the content and order of what apprentices learn. Apprentices have an extensive training period at college to ensure that they are prepared effectively to work safely in the aviation industry. At the time of the visit, none of the apprentices had progressed to active roles in operational aircraft hangars.

p.3

Reasonable progress

Managers and instructors carry out thorough assessments of apprentices’ starting points. However, instructors do not use this information effectively to set individual learning targets. Consequently, in most instances, instructors cannot assess the progress apprentices make against their starting points. Instructors do not encourage apprentices to reflect on what they know and can do because of their training.

p.3

Reasonable progress

Instructors make effective use of their extensive subject knowledge and industry expertise to teach apprentices. Apprentices appreciate the examples teachers give of working in the industry and, consequently, develop new knowledge quickly and apply it in practical workshops. Instructors give apprentices useful feedback on how to improve their written work.

p.3

Reasonable progress

Apprentices develop significant new skills and knowledge because of the teaching they receive. They learn how to use hand tools such as screwdrivers and spanners effectively. They now know how to carry out inspections of damage to aircraft and to look for signs of corrosion and leaks. Apprentices understand the health and safety precautions they need to take before and after they carry out tasks. They also understand and conform with the legislation that applies in the aviation industry. Monitoring visit: KLM UK Engineering Limited, 6 and 7 November 2024 Instructors teach English and mathematics in lessons throughout the apprenticeship, including specific modules including physics. Consequently, apprentices extend their knowledge such as analysing the mathematics in engineering drawings.

p.3

Reasonable progress

Leaders and managers monitor and support apprentices effectively. Nearly all apprentices make the progress expected of them, and those who fall behind are supported well to catch up quickly, including those with special educational needs.

p.4

Reasonable progress

At the time of the visit, all the apprentices recruited since October 2023 have stayed on the programme, and attendance is very high.

p.4

Significant progress

Leaders have put in place appropriate policies and procedures to develop a strong safeguarding culture for apprentices. Leaders identify, record and monitor safeguarding concerns thoroughly and track them to appropriate outcomes for the apprentices.

p.4

Significant progress

Apprentices have a very good understanding of the dangers of extremism and radicalisation, as well as how to keep themselves safe online. They recognise the signs that would concern them if colleagues or friends were in danger such as becoming withdrawn.

p.4

Significant progress

Apprentices feel safe in the training environment. Apprentices do not always understand about healthy sexual relationships. Leaders have plans in place to include this as part of apprentices’ future learning.

p.4

Significant progress

Apprentices have a clear understanding of how to report any concerns they may have. They know about the safeguarding officer and the range of well-being and welfare support available to them, such as for mental health issues. Monitoring visit: KLM UK Engineering Limited, 6 and 7 November 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 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.

p.4

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 .

p.5

Significant progress

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.5

Significant progress

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.5

Significant progress

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

p.5