Member Article

Midlands-based IT apprenticeship provider rated ‘good’ by Ofsted

Intequal, a leading specialist in IT and digital training has been rated a ‘good provider’ following its first inspection by Ofsted.

The Microsoft partner has been delivering high quality apprenticeships since 2013 and specialises in providing high quality training and apprenticeship programmes for those wishing to start or develop a career in the IT and digital space.

Ofsted commended Intequal for “professionalism” and “well qualified tutors” who ensure that the majority of “learners pass first-time with almost half achieving a distinction grade and additional qualifications”.

The report found that Intequal’s curriculum is “well-designed to ensure apprentices develop industry-relevant skills and knowledge rapidly”. Ofsted recognised that as a specialist IT and digital provider, Intequal “carefully chose programmes to address local and national skills shortages” that meet current industry standards.

Inspectors found that apprentices were guided by tutors to forge good relationships with their employers. It was also reported that apprentices enjoyed Intequal’s innovative mix of learning methods. The combination of learning online and regular visits from their designated pathway planners helped apprentices to rapidly develop new skills which increased their confidence and value in the workplace.

The Ofsted rating comes after Intequal announced the launch of a new Level 4 Data Analysis Apprenticeship, a programme that reflects the growing demand for roles of this type in the digital age.

Dominic Gill, managing director at Intequal said: “This is a brilliant result for us as a specialist IT and digital training provider.

“The feedback following Ofsted’s inspection was particularly positive about our organisation’s professionalism and ability to put focus on both the employers’ and apprentices’ needs.

“We pride ourselves on working closely with employers to ensure our curriculum keeps pace with business needs. We were pleased to see feedback from apprentices that they benefit from the workplace relationships that they build.

“This inspection result reinforced the results of our annual self-assessment review. We undertake this to ensure we maintain a good professional standard of education as a private training provider and continue to develop all areas of our organisation to the benefit of those that we work with.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Alana Castle .