CNet Training Limited

Further education and skills inspection report

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Overall effectiveness Good

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

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Information about this provider

CNet Training Limited is an independent learning provider in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. It offers apprenticeship training for the digital infrastructure sector. Leaders only offer one apprenticeship standard, the level 3 network cable installer apprenticeship. They have been training apprentices since December 2022.

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Information about this provider

Apprentices attend several week-long blocks of training at one of their centres in Bury St Edmunds or London. Apprentices work for employers nationwide. They travel from across the country and stay in a local hotel for these events.

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Information about this provider

At the time of inspection, there were 34 apprentices training on the network cable installer apprenticeship. Fewer than five apprentices were under the age of 18. Leaders do not work with any subcontractors. 17 to 20 June 2025

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

Apprentices are highly motivated to learn new skills, which they practise at work. They have high attendance in lessons and make good progress in their learning. Apprentices learn how to complete both copper and fibre cable installations. They demonstrate high levels of skills and expertise in network cabling infrastructures.

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

Apprentices learn from instructors with extensive experience in the digital infrastructure sector. Apprentices use the latest industry-standard resources and equipment. They benefit from training in small groups and receive individual coaching from instructors, which helps them learn quickly. Apprentices learn about copper cabling materials, installations and principles. They then move on to more advanced fibre cabling principles and practices.

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

Apprentices develop confidence and resilience throughout their apprenticeship. Mentors and coaches encourage apprentices to develop their communication skills. Apprentices become more confident when talking to their peers at work. They learn to overcome challenges at work, such as with difficult cabling installations. Apprentices are, therefore, more professional and work more independently.

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

Learners present themselves in an appropriate way for the industry. They are punctual and respectful to their peers and instructors. Apprentices feel safe at work, in the training accommodation and in training. Apprentices work safely using appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and eye protection, when carrying out tasks.

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better?

Leaders work successfully with employers across the digital infrastructure sector to understand their needs. Leaders have used these insights effectively to design an ambitious apprenticeship curriculum. Apprentices gain recognised accredited qualifications in addition to their apprenticeship, which make them more employable. They acquire the international and industry recognised level 3 award certified network cable installer, in both copper and fibre cabling. They also gain the level 4 professional award certified integrated infrastructure technician. Employers value these qualifications highly.

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better?

Instructors use their experience very effectively to help apprentices become competent at work. Instructors logically order the content of the training so apprentices can use new knowledge in practical applications. Apprentices learn about cable containment, and then copper cables, as this is the most common type of cabling. This is followed by learning about more advanced fibre cable installations.

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better?

Instructors make good use of demonstrations. Apprentices learn how to test data cabling installations by using equipment correctly. Apprentices apply their new skills in the workplace, under the supervision of their mentors. They complete a copper skills and knowledge assessment on site. Apprentices then learn about fibre 17 to 20 June 2025

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installations testing, before reinforcing learning with a practical activity on site. Apprentices confidently apply technical vocabulary in written and verbal communication. Apprentices accurately describe complex processes for joining cables, such as re-splicing and re-cleaving cables to correct faults.

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In online learning, instructors provide clear explanations on the different types of asbestos and their associated risks. Apprentices learn about the risks of inhalation and what irritated skin could look like after contact with asbestos. Instructors check apprentices’ understanding effectively. Apprentices complete quizzes and reflection activities to check what they have learned. Where they do not understand, trainers answer questions or provide additional explanations during progress reviews.

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Instructors and coaches provide developmental verbal feedback to apprentices. Coaches discuss with apprentices how they can apply their skills effectively in different situations at work. This helps apprentices to apply what they learn, such as routing cables correctly. However, trainers do not consistently identify how apprentices can further improve their written work to achieve a higher grade.

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Instructors provide effective pastoral support for apprentices. Apprentices with welfare concerns, such as anxiety, receive frequent contact from coaches. Coaches reduce the size of tasks, so apprentices do not become overwhelmed. Because of this support, apprentices make expected progress towards their final assessments. Apprentices with identified learning difficulties are offered readers and extra time for tasks and assessments.

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Apprentices develop the English, mathematics and digital skills that they need for their job roles. They develop their skills by measuring materials, producing procurement lists and working out costs. Consequently, they know the importance of limiting materials wastage. Apprentices successfully complete written English tasks online. Instructors provide encouraging feedback, which helps apprentices proofread and improve their own written work. Apprentices develop greater confidence and accuracy in their communication.

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Too few apprentices achieve a distinction at their final assessment. Instructors and coaches use mock tests, which helps apprentices prepare for assessments. Most apprentices pass their final assessment first time.

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Leaders and managers have not yet implemented a structured personal development curriculum to support apprentices’ growth and development beyond the apprenticeship. A few coaches promote discussions on issues, such as misogyny and social media influence. This helps raise apprentices’ awareness of these harmful behaviours. Younger apprentices do not always develop an understanding of how to maintain good physical health or healthy relationships. Apprentices cannot always articulate how fundamental British values apply in their daily lives and at work.

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Instructors and coaches provide good information and advice to apprentices on future career opportunities. Apprentices know about potential routes, such as site supervisor, project manager, or higher-level study. Apprentices have access to real- 17 to 20 June 2025

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world scenarios and project leadership opportunities, helping them to build confidence and ambition towards their future career goals.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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What does the provider need to do to improve?

 Provide written feedback to apprentices to extend their understanding and improve their work beyond the minimum requirements.  Implement a personal development curriculum that develops apprentices’ deeper understanding of health and well-being and British values.  Prepare apprentices more effectively for final assessments so they can achieve a higher grade. 17 to 20 June 2025

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Provider details

Address Unit 7-10 Park Farm Business Centre Fornham Park Fornham St Genevieve

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Provider details

Website https://cnet-training.com/apprenticeships/

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Provider details

Principal, CEO or equivalent Martin Smith

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Provider details

Provider type Independent learning provider

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Provider details

Date of previous inspection Not previously inspected

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Provider details

Main subcontractors None 17 to 20 June 2025

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Information about this inspection

The inspection team was assisted by the apprenticeship 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

Mark Care, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector Georgina Ager His Majesty’s Inspector Rochelle Saneria His Majesty’s Inspector 17 to 20 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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