OLDHAM ENGINEERING GROUP TRAINING ASSOCIATION AWARDED “OUTSTANDING”

30 Sep 2005 01:16 PM

Inspectors from the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI), the Government’s inspectorate for skills and employment, returned to a training organisation in Oldham and found that the quality of a specialist area of provision is top-class. Just two years ago this programme was graded “unsatisfactory”. Now it has been awarded a grade 1, ‘outstanding’.

The team at Oldham Engineering Group Training Association (OEGTA), based in Mount Pleasant Industrial Estate in Lees Road, were thrilled after they today received official confirmation from the Chief Inspector of Adult Learning, David Sherlock, that the Retailing, Customer Service and Transportation programme had been awarded the highest grade 1.

Of the 45 learners at OEGTA, 36 are adult learners on an Employer Training Pilot scheme, eight are apprentices and one is an advanced apprentice.

Inspectors noted that the firm had “highly productive” links with local employers; the work of all learners was of a “high standard” and that their portfolios are “well presented and contain a good range of relevant training material and assessment records”.

Learner Lisa Bowman said staff at OEGTA had provided great support with her work and personal matters and described her time with the organisation “a valuable experience”. Lisa, a Customer Service apprentice, has just been promoted which she said would not have been possible without her qualifications achieved through training at OEGTA.

Another learner Christian Herd said: “The support I got from OEGTA was outstanding. My assessor was a wonderful guide and helped me at difficult times enabling me to do well overall.”

Roy McHugh, Chief Executive at OEGTA, said:

“When we were inspected in January 2003 Distribution and Warehousing, now called Retailing, Customer Service and Transportation, was a relatively new provision for us. The inspection showed us we had not fully integrated the programme into our systems. The inspection results jolted us into developing action plans to overcome our shortfalls.”

“It is not about the quick fixes and it is not about overcoming one or two problems. It is about raising the levels all round some may require small movements but others may need major shifts,” added Mr McHugh.

David Sherlock, Chief Inspector at the Adult Learning Inspectorate said:

“My inspection team were impressed at the quality of the learning provision they found at Oldham Engineering Group Training Association Limited. The inspection report highlights the specialist area which inspectors found extraordinary and is reflected by the single highest grade.”

Editor’s Notes:

1. To see a copy of the inspection report for Oldham Engineering Group Training Association Limited click here: docs.ali.gov.uk/Inspreps/19/4894DET.PDF

2. The ALI is the government’s inspectorate for skills and employment, bridging the public and private sectors. It specialises in workforce development and preparation for work. Working across government, for example with the DFES, DWP, the Home Office, and the Ministry of Defence, it also encompasses the private sector enabling a comprehensive view of skills development.

3. Photographs are available on request.

   ISSUED BY DHIREN KATWA AT THE ADULT LEARNING INSPECTORATE. Tel: 024 7671 6703 Email: Dhiren.katwa@ali.gov.uk