3D 360 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 Good Leadership and management Good Adult learning programmes Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not previously inspected

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Information about this provider

3D 360 Limited is an independent learning provider based in Leigh, Greater Manchester. It provides Skills Bootcamp training courses for adults in the Cheshire and Warrington, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, and Lancashire areas. These courses include online and practical training. Practical training is offered at the provider’s training centres in Leigh, Greater Manchester, and Workington, Cumbria.

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Information about this provider

At the time of the inspection, there were 55 learners studying Skills Bootcamp courses in advanced manufacturing. The provider had very recently started to offer an Electric Vehicles Skills Bootcamp. There were six learners studying this course. 26 to 29 August 2025

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

Learners have positive attitudes toward their learning. They are eager to learn, ask questions and share their knowledge and skills with their peers. Learners mostly attend their training well and arrive on time.

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

Learners are considerate and professional in their interactions with others. Trainers promote inclusive and respectful learning environments. Learners closely adhere to online etiquette and are courteous in their communications with peers, colleagues, and clients.

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

Learners benefit from access to high-quality resources that replicate industry standards. Leaders have invested in a bespoke electric vehicle training facility equipped with hybrid and all-electric vehicles. They have connected the practical workshop space to the classroom. This enables trainers to use vehicles and components in their demonstrations. Learners apply theory to practice swiftly.

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

Learners value the training they receive, which enables them to achieve their personal and career goals. Learners studying advanced manufacturing confidently explain the advantage of operating multiple 3-D printers simultaneously. They appreciate how this enables them to manufacture components for different customers at the same time, reducing production time.

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

Learners feel safe. They observe strict safety procedures and apply cybersecurity principles precisely to protect software, systems, and networks.

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better?

Leaders work closely with employers and stakeholders to ensure that courses meet regional skills priorities and precise industry needs. They consult with industry partners to design the Electric Vehicles Skills Bootcamp curriculum. Leaders ensure that learners gain the valuable industry-standard qualifications needed to work in electric vehicle repair and maintenance and advanced manufacturing.

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better?

Leaders and trainers sequence Skills Bootcamp training in a logical order. Learners on advanced manufacturing courses learn about the components of digital manufacturing before they learn about augmented reality, digital twinning, and the principles of additive manufacturing. This gives them the knowledge they need to build 3-D printers competently.

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better?

Trainers are experts in the subjects that they teach. Most continue to work in related industries. Trainers use their expertise well. They use examples from their own experiences to provide credibility and to bring topics to life. Trainers who teach advanced manufacturing provide clear explanations of processes such as algorithms and data mining. They use helpful images and short videos to illustrate the application of theoretical concepts. This helps learners explain how machine learning and artificial intelligence can be used to extract data. 26 to 29 August 2025

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Trainers collect and use information about what learners already know and can do at the start of their course effectively. Trainers tailor learning so each learner extends their knowledge and skills during their training. Learners complete assignments and practical activities, which are consolidated with quizzes and online assessments. Trainers use questions and discussion to ascertain what learners remember and to correct misconceptions swiftly.

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Most learners complete their course. Most learners studying advanced manufacturing pass their end-of-module assessments at their first attempt, achieving merit and distinction grades.

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Trainers incorporate fundamental British values routinely into lessons. Learners recognise how these principles apply to their personal and professional lives. They apply British values at work by following data protection rules accurately.

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Staff make sure that learners acquire the knowledge and skills they need to advance in their employment and careers. Learners on the Electric Vehicles Skills Bootcamp confidently explain how to connect, disconnect, and inspect batteries for faults and change components. Most learners gain employment, become self-employed, or receive additional duties at work.

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Staff provide learners, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, with extensive and effective support and careers advice during and after they complete their course. They provide learners with business development advice from experts, so they avoid pitfalls and grow their business with confidence. Trainers provide monthly computer-aided design and 3-D print business support clinics both in person and online. These are offered in the evening and at weekends to accommodate learners’ availability.

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Leaders support trainers to maintain their industry and technical currency and competency through regular industry update training. Almost all trainers are working towards a level 3 teaching qualification. However, associate trainers do not routinely benefit from a planned programme of development to enhance their teaching practices. In addition, qualified teachers do not receive training to improve their teaching skills.

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Since the monitoring visit, leaders have recruited staff with the expertise needed to strengthen the organisation. They have appropriate quality assurance processes in place to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Leaders are currently working to formalise governance arrangements with the view to establishing an advisory board imminently.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. 26 to 29 August 2025

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What does the provider need to do to improve?

 Increase opportunities for trainers to enhance their teaching skills.  Formalise governance arrangements swiftly. 26 to 29 August 2025

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Provider details

Address da Vinci House 128A Bradshawgate Leigh WN7 4NP

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Provider details

Principal, CEO or equivalent Paul Bullock

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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 26 to 29 August 2025

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Information about this inspection

The inspection team was assisted by the managing director, as nominee. Inspectors took account of the provider’s most recent self-assessment report and development plans, and the previous monitoring visit 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

Zoe Ibbotson, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector Alastair Mollon His Majesty’s Inspector Kim Bleasdale His Majesty’s Inspector 26 to 29 August 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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