Tyne North Training Limited

Further education and skills inspection report

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Inspection of Tyne North Training Limited

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Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Apprenticeships Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not previously inspected

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Information about this provider

Tyne North Training Limited is an independent learning provider with charitable status. It specialises in engineering apprenticeship training in the north east. At the time of the inspection, there were 200 apprentices studying on level 3 apprenticeships in the engineering sector. Of these, 80 apprentices were studying on level 3 engineering fitter. There were 47 apprentices on the engineering technician apprenticeship, 32 on the machining technician apprenticeship, 30 on the metal fabricator apprenticeship and 11 on the plate welder apprenticeships. In business administration, there were 11 apprentices. The provider works with one subcontractor to deliver the theory, practical training and qualifications for the engineering apprenticeships. 20 to 23 May 2025

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What is it like to be a learner with this provider?

Apprentices are aware of training officers’ expectations for behaviour and work. They demonstrate mature attitudes. Apprentices are attentive and well motivated in theory and practical sessions, and they enjoy their learning. They produce written and practical work of at least the expected standard.

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What is it like to be a learner with this provider?

Apprentices are punctual and attend their training sessions, progress meetings and work well. They value the individual support that training officers provide at the training centre and the workplace. Apprentices who have missed sessions are supported to catch up and stay on track to complete their course.

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What is it like to be a learner with this provider?

Apprentices develop their character and confidence during their apprenticeship. They take ownership of their learning, lead projects and communicate professionally in the workplace. As a result, apprentices make useful contributions to their employers.

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What is it like to be a learner with this provider?

Apprentices feel safe and know who to report any concerns to. Training officers check apprentices’ well-being in progress meetings. Apprentices develop a good understanding of workplace safety. Level 3 engineering fitter apprentices learn about correct posture when lifting. In a few workplaces, apprentices do warm-up exercises with colleagues at the start of the day to prepare for the working day.

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better?

Leaders and managers have developed curriculums that align well with local and regional skills priorities. They deliver apprenticeships to meet the needs of large scale, multinational, regional and local businesses in the Tyneside area. Leaders ensure that the curriculums prepare apprentices well for employment in the engineering and business administration sectors.

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better?

Training officers and tutors at the subcontractor deliver appropriately sequenced training. Most engineering and metal fabrication apprentices study a level 2 workshop programme to develop fundamental knowledge and skills. Apprentices then move to theoretical concepts and advanced practical topics such as hydraulic and pneumatic machinery, using 3-phase motors and computer aided design software later in the course. This helps apprentices to develop their knowledge in small steps throughout the apprenticeship.

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better?

Leaders and managers work well with employers to plan appropriate on- and off- the-job training. They communicate well throughout the course with employers to ensure that apprentices have the opportunity to develop a broad range of skills through exposure to work in different departments.

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better?

Leaders and managers recognise areas where they need to make improvements. They identify the need to have greater focus on quality improvements and are 20 to 23 May 2025

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currently rolling out new processes. This includes monitoring the apprentice progress meeting process more closely to ensure good practice and standardisation across the provision.

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Apprentices develop their English and mathematical skills well throughout their course. On level 3 machining technician, apprentices accurately apply mathematical skills such as converting inches to millimetres and calculating tolerances. They interpret technical drawings and take logical steps to complete machining tasks. Most assignments over time show increasing development of English skills through tasks set to describe, explain and then evaluate. Apprentices apply these skills in preparing projects and portfolios for their end-point assessment.

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Leaders recruit training officers who are well qualified and experienced. Training officers use their expertise well to assess any gaps apprentices have in their knowledge. For example, on the level 3 engineering fitter apprenticeship, training officers use questioning similar to those in the end-point assessment to identify what apprentices can recall and to plan further training. Training officers and subcontracted tutors provide helpful feedback on practical tasks. For example, following feedback in the workshop, level 3 engineering technician apprentices improve their ability to fault find using the lathe and autocad, and fix problems with injection moulding. This enables them to carry out an increasing range of independent activities in the workplace.

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Most apprentices achieve their qualifications, in some cases with high grades. Most apprentices remain in employment. They gain promotions, take on additional responsibilities and receive pay increases to help them progress to the next steps in their careers.

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Leaders and managers encourage staff to maintain their industry practice and vocational expertise. Training officers use site visits well to familiarise with new equipment such as robotic arms. Training officers on level 3 metal fabricator attend training at the welding institute so they can assess apprentice coding submissions. However, leaders do not effectively plan support and developmental activities for training officers to enhance their training and assessment practice.

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Apprentices benefit from initial and ongoing careers information advice and guidance. Training officers support apprentices to make informed decisions about their next steps. They work with employers to help apprentices to identify different potential pathways as they progress through the apprenticeship. Apprentices understand the range of options available to them and are confident in pursuing suitable training pathways and future job roles.

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In a few cases, apprentices do not receive information to develop their understanding of maintaining physical and mental health or what constitutes a healthy relationship. Leaders and managers have very recently put in place a process to ensure that training officers deliver key aspects of the personal development curriculum. They have produced a monthly newsletter to develop apprentices’ awareness of topical issues. Training officers use the monthly newsletter 20 to 23 May 2025

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themes to develop apprentices’ understanding in progress meetings. It is too early to see the impact of this initiative.

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Leaders work well with subcontractors to ensure that the quality of training delivered is of high quality. They monitor effectively the progress that apprentices at the subcontractor make. Leaders and training officers visit apprentice training sessions frequently and undertake informal lesson visits. Where they identify issues, these are swiftly rectified. As a result, leaders have sufficient oversight of subcontracted provision.

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Leaders and managers have in place an effective board of trustees. The chair of trustees works closely with the training and operations managers. However, the trustees recognise the need to improve focus on the oversight of operational activity, including safeguarding.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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What does the provider need to do to improve?

 Fully embed the new processes to monitor and improve the quality of the provision.  Provide training officers with appropriate training and development activities to enhance their practice further.  Improve the personal development of apprentices through a well-planned and implemented curriculum. 20 to 23 May 2025

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Provider details

Address Embleton Avenue Wallsend Tyne and Wear NE28 9NJ

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Provider details

Principal, CEO or equivalent Ian Selkirk

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Provider details

Provider type Independent learning provider

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Provider details

Dates of previous inspection 10 to 11 March 2020

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Provider details

Main subcontractors Tyne Coast College 20 to 23 May 2025

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Information about this inspection

The inspection team was assisted by the quality manager, as nominee. Inspectors took account of the provider’s most recent self-assessment report and development plans, and the previous inspection report. The inspection was carried out using the further education and skills inspection handbook and took into account all relevant provision at the provider. Inspectors collected a wide range of evidence to inform judgements, including visiting learning sessions, scrutinising learners’ work, seeking the views of learners, staff and other stakeholders, and examining the provider’s documentation and records.

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Inspection team

Joanne Stork, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector Chloe Rendall His Majesty’s Inspector Chris Wiley Ofsted Inspector Shanna King Ofsted Inspector 20 to 23 May 2025

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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 looked-after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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