Alderley-based apprenticeship provider Apprentify has surpassed government targets in the latest National Record of Achievement, having reported a 78% achievement rate for the year 2021/22, which is 20% higher than the national average.
The apprenticeship sector has faced significant challenges in recent years with changes in regulation and funding structure. According to the report, three in ten training providers will flag as “at risk” in the new academic year, while 25% require improvement. This leaves the sector even further away from the government’s 67% target.
Despite this, Apprentify has bucked the trend having improved its rates year on year. They have also reported distinction rates rising to 90%, while 83% of apprentices went on to secure employment on completion of their course.
Group CEO Jonathan Fitchew said, “These statistics show what we already know about Apprentify. That we are committed to providing a secure and supportive environment for our apprentices where they can nurture a lifelong love of learning, bolstered by passionate tutors and encouraging mentors at work. In the future I fully expect to see us exceed the targets again as we move forward with our ambitious plans for development.”
This news comes off the back of the company securing an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating in its first full inspection. In the report, apprentices are described as “enthusiastic” and “motivated to succeed” in an environment where staff encourage them to develop a “lifelong love of learning”. The watchdog also reported that all apprentices who had come to the end of their apprenticeship had passed, with most achieving distinction grades.
Apprentify have also been lauded by the Department for Education and used as an example of best practice for other providers. Karen Riley, Deputy Director, Quality Apprenticeships Directorate for the Department for Education, recently visited their head office at the Glasshouse in Alderley Science Park, where she met with the team to learn more about how they are delivering high standards of service to a current cohort of over 300 digital apprentices.
