WEC Engineering Academy Praised in Ofsted Monitoring Visit
Darwen based engineering and fabrication company WEC Group have recently announced that their WEC Engineering Academy in Blackburn have received top praise from Ofsted following a recent monitoring visit. The company’s dedicated in-house welding training centre has been recognised for making significant progress across all key areas of their apprenticeship training programme.
As one of Europe’s largest contract manufacturing companies, WEC Group launched its own Level 3 Plate Welder Apprenticeship in August 2023. The Academy is now delivering high-quality training to 46 apprentices across their Blackburn and Rotherham sites, as well as monitoring the progress of a further 55 apprentices who have come through the doors of the Academy.
Ofsted recognised WEC Engineering Academy’s ambitious and well-structured training programme, designed to address the skill shortage in the engineering industry. Some of the key findings of their report included: “WEC Apprentices have benefited from expert instruction and state-of-the-art workshops, ensuring they develop the skills needed for a successful engineering career. Apprentices who have additional learning needs receive tailored support, including assistive technology and extra time to complete assignments. “
“Leaders design the curriculum so that it extends beyond the apprenticeship. They arrange numerous opportunities for apprentices to take part in community projects, including Remembrance Day installations and participating in various charity events. These experiences broaden their skills and contribute to their local communities.”
Ofsted also commended WEC Engineering Academy’s strong leadership team for maintaining high training standards, carefully monitoring the progress of all apprentices, and working closely with the English and Maths training partners to ensure well-rounded education.
The Office for Standards in Education praised WEC Academy for providing a safe and supportive learning environment. They stated that the Academy leaders have built a strong safeguarding culture with a dedicated team and thorough staff training. WEC Academy was also praised for partnering with local services to educate apprentices on key risks such as drink and drug driving and knife crime, with apprentices reportedly feeling safe and well-supported in both training and work.
The positive Ofsted report also highlighted WEC Engineering Academy’s commitment to training world-class engineers and providing opportunities for young people to develop valuable skills for the future.
To view the full Ofsted report click here: WEC Engineering Academy Ofsted visit.
WEC Engineering Academy will be hosting an Apprenticeship Open Evening at the WEC Academy on Thursday 13th February, from 5.30-7.45pm. There are still tickets left for those wishing to attend and start a successful career in Engineering.
Apprenticeships are at the heart of WEC Group’s operations and they are proud to have been crowned as the North West’s Large Apprenticeship Employer of the year 8 times in the past 10 years, so this is your chance to join a company that puts apprentices and learning first.
Sign up for WEC Engineering Academy’s Apprentice Open Evening here: Apprenticeship Open Evening