Mode Training Ltd

Further education and skills inspection report

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Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

The quality of education Requires improvement Behaviour and attitudes Requires improvement Personal development Good Leadership and management Requires improvement Apprenticeships Requires improvement Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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Information about this provider

Mode Training Ltd (MTL) is an independent learning provider based in Liverpool. It provides apprenticeship training in the level 2 hairdressing professional and level 3 advanced and creative hair professional apprenticeships. Apprentices attend their off-the-job training one day a week at the training centre in Bootle.

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Information about this provider

At the time of the inspection, there were 49 apprentices at MTL. Forty-one were studying at level 2 and eight at level 3. Almost all apprentices were aged 16 to 18. MTL provides education and training in music technology and hairdressing to 14- to 16-year-olds in partnership with local schools. It also works with the Merseyside Police Preventative Policing Team on engagement programmes for young people at risk of engaging in criminality. This work was not in scope for this inspection. 23 to 25 June 2025

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

Apprentices who remain on their apprenticeship know more and can do more because of their training. They are knowledgeable about the techniques they are using such as when point cutting to produce a short-textured cut. Apprentices mostly work to a high standard with work that becomes increasingly more difficult and creative. They use permanent colouring in several colours with contrasting tips, using fading cutting techniques well. On completion of their apprenticeship, apprentices work as stylists, move on to further training or become self-employed.

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

While many apprentices come from disadvantaged backgrounds and have barriers to learning, too few apprentices regularly attend their training. Attendance at off-the- job training is too low, and too many apprentices arrive late. Apprentices who do attend enjoy coming to MTL. They feel well supported and appreciate the expert teaching they receive. Apprentices benefit from a calm, inclusive and supportive environment.

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

Apprentices become increasingly confident, resilient and independent because of their apprenticeship. They feel more able to deal with clients and have improved their body language and eye contact when providing consultations. Apprentices work effectively in teams and do not give up when a style does not always turn out as planned. They develop their independence, working with their own clients. Apprentices feel safe in training and in their salons. They know who to contact should they have any concerns.

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better?

Leaders specialise in training young and often vulnerable apprentices to fill shortages of hairdressers in Liverpool. They work with employers to develop and adapt curriculums that meet changing employment trends and the needs of clients, apprentices and employers across the city region. However, leaders have not ensured a consistently high-quality training experience for all apprentices.

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better?

Leaders have been too slow to rectify the slow progress that apprentices make. In 2023/24, just over half of apprentices did not achieve their apprenticeship. Although leaders have recently implemented effective performance management and increased the pace of improvement, still too few apprentices complete their apprenticeship on time. Leaders have not been swift enough to make sure that apprentices who fall behind are helped to catch up quickly. A significant proportion of apprentices in learning are beyond their planned end date.

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better?

Leaders have appointed well-qualified and experienced hairdressing professionals as tutors. All tutors are teacher trained. They maintain their vocational currency with industry days and back-to-the-floor activity, returning to salons to hone and enhance their skills. Tutors use their expertise so learning is logically sequenced and build apprentices’ practical skills throughout their apprenticeship. Apprentices learn how to shampoo and blow-dry hair while learning about client communication, hair theory 23 to 25 June 2025

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and the science of shampooing. They run their own columns and carry out a range of treatments competently, including balayage, colouring and Brazilian blow dries.

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Leaders make sure that apprentices complete English and mathematics qualifications beyond the required level to prepare them for employment and the future. However, too few apprentices achieve these qualifications as quickly as expected. Leaders recognised that the functional skills curriculum was not fit for purpose and reviewed it. They have introduced a new format and new tutors to help apprentices to catch up. However, it is too soon to measure the impact of these changes.

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Leaders have in place effective arrangements to support apprentices with additional learning needs. Tutors provide additional support and resources to remove barriers to learning. Apprentices benefit from bespoke adaptations including additional time, time out and the use of assistive technologies to make learning accessible. Apprentices with barriers to learning achieve in line with their peers.

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Tutors plan and coordinate on- and off-the-job training effectively with employers. Apprentices practise at work the skills that they learn at MTL. They develop skills in cutting, including short cuts and razor cutting on mid-length hair to achieve a shaggy textured finish around the face. Apprentices develop competence and confidence working on a range of different clients.

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Apprentices benefit from useful ‘better you’ seminars, where they learn about topics such as mindset, mental health and healthy relationships. Tutors make topics relatable to apprentices’ lives and circumstances. Apprentices take part in styling competitions, trips to exhibitions on hairstyles through the decades and talks on finance and planning for self-employment.

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Staff help apprentices have a good understanding of their next steps. Apprentices are clear about their plans after they finish their apprenticeship. They benefit from effective information, advice and guidance and talks from industry experts on a range of career opportunities. Apprentices regularly review their plans with tutors to make informed choices about their next steps.

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Those in a governance role have an accurate oversight of the strengths and weaknesses of the provision. They receive timely reports and information on all aspects of training that they use to support, challenge and hold leaders to account to bring about improvements. Those in a governance role hold leaders to account for the quality of training that apprentices receive.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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What does the provider need to do to improve?

 Improve apprentices’ attendance and punctuality to training. 23 to 25 June 2025

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 Provide effective support to apprentices so that those who fall behind catch up quickly.  Increase the proportion of apprentices who complete and achieve their apprenticeship on time.  Increase the proportion of apprentices who achieve their functional skills qualifications earlier in their apprenticeship. 23 to 25 June 2025

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Provider details

Address Ground Floor The Secret Warehouse Syren Street Liverpool L20 8HN

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Provider details

Principal, CEO or equivalent Debbie Carney

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Provider details

Provider type Independent learning provider

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Date of previous inspection

Main subcontractors None 23 to 25 June 2025

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Information about this inspection

The inspection team was assisted by the director, 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

Alastair Mollon, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector Alison Cameron Brandwood His Majesty’s Inspector Anita Pyrkotsch-Jones His Majesty’s Inspector 23 to 25 June 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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