A vocational training provider has been praised by inspectors for the support it offers to its disadvantaged students and its connections with employers.
In its most recent Ofsted report, Poultec Training was commended for its 'first-class relationships with employers' as well as its 'well-qualified and competent' teachers and assessors.
The Mattishall-based company – which retained a 'good' rating from the watchdog – currently works with 740 employers and has more than 1,000 apprentices and other learners on its books.
In their report, inspectors said Poultec's traineeship programmes were helping vulnerable learners aged 16 to 18 to 'quickly build their confidence in returning to classroom learning'.
It said: 'Learners have clear goals for their future careers. They are very positive about traineeship programme enabling them to progress.'
The report said the on-the-job training involved in most of Poultec's courses was 'effective in developing apprentices' practical skills and understanding' and nurturing 'relevant vocational skills'. Learners on engineering, agriculture or animal care courses were said to be achieving particularly well.
It added that the 'fruitful links' leaders have built with employers 'help create new apprenticeship opportunities'.
The report noted how tutors developed mathematics skills on their courses, but said more could be done to do the same with English skills.
Inspectors also believed more could be done to promote learners' personal development.
Neale McArdle, Poultec training director, said: 'Apprenticeships are being valued more and more by young people, their parents and employers, but that needs us and all other providers to make sure we keep quality high.
'The relationship we have with employers and other partners is something we are proud of and it is nice to see that recognised in the Ofsted report.
'We have got a team of tutors who seem to be really able to support our most vulnerable young people, to empathise and get the best out of them.
'There was nothing in the report that took us by surprise – the things they thought we could improve on, we also thought we could improve on.'
Mr McArdle added that the firm is planning to expand its base of employers and learners.
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