learndirect Centre Achieves Outstanding Ofsted Inspection
A learndirect centre based in Stoke has achieved a Grade 1 Ofsted Inspection after officials described the centre as “outstanding”.
Action Training in Stoke on Trent has helped improve the skills of more than 1185 people in the local area. Providing support on basic maths and English, IT and vocational skills, Action Training has revolutionised the pool of skills available to employers locally.
Derek Foster, Centre Manager for Action Training, has worked hard to establish links with local businesses to ensure the centre offers the skills employer’s desire;
“It’s important to know the needs of the local area and ensure we are providing people with the skills which will help them to find work. We know in Stoke the logistics sector is expanding rapidly so when someone completes the literacy and numeracy courses we offer them free theory and practical training in driving a fork-lift truck. It’s a real incentive to improve their basic skills. We’re also planning to expand into the construction trades.”
James Inskip who has completed numerous maths courses with Action Training said: “To be honest, I came here for the fork-lift truck driving lessons but now I can do stuff on the computer I could never have done before.”
Derek, and the five members of staff at the centre, also work closely with a number of organisations to ensure those trying to find employment know where to go for support. Derek explains;
“The local Jobcentre Plus, Nextstep, Connexions, the probation service and HMP Sudbury refer people to us if they are interested in improving their skills. We’ve been particularly successful in working with ex-offenders, many of whom have faced severe barriers to learning in the past. By using the fork-lift truck driving course as an incentive to improve their basic skills they have a fresh start in life. The Longton Probation Service said Action Training provides a lifeline to ex-offenders.
“Our learners develop high levels of confidence and employability by improving their skills, which makes our work all the more satisfying.
“When Ofsted asked one of our learners what Action Training could do to improve, his response was; “Nothing! I do not think they can do more – this is the highest one can go.”
“That’s the best possible praise I can receive.”