- Brunel University London’s apprenticeships provision was graded Outstanding across all categories
- Brunel provides apprenticeship programmes at master’s level in Advanced Clinical Practice and in Digital Technology Solutions, and at foundation degree level to train Nursing Associates – aligned to the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan and other key UK skills priorities, such as in aviation
- Brunel is the only university in London and the South of England to be graded Outstanding for apprenticeships, and one of only four across the country to receive the highest Ofsted inspection grade
Apprentices at Brunel University London are inspired to have high ambitions by exceptional lecturers who are experts in their field, according to a glittering Ofsted report which grades all aspects of Brunel’s apprenticeships provision as Outstanding – the highest inspection grade.
Brunel becomes the only university in London and the South of England to achieve this accolade for higher and degree level apprenticeships, and one of only four across the country to receive the highest Ofsted inspection grade.
The full inspection was carried out between 30 January and 1 February, and the highly complementary report says that Brunel’s apprentices ‘feel privileged and proud to study at the university’.
Apprentices earn while they learn, gaining a degree whilst pursuing a career they are passionate about. Brunel offers three apprenticeship programmes, co-created with employers and professional bodies in order to deliver against industry skills needs:
The inspectors assessed Brunel’s quality of education, noting that teaching staff are highly qualified and experts within their fields. “Teaching staff teach apprentices up-to-date skills and knowledge that are highly sought after in these sectors,” the inspectors remarked in their report, adding that “staff provide effective support to apprentices with additional learning needs throughout their training.”
Apprentices were praised for their behaviour and attitudes, with the inspectors writing that apprentices display exemplary professional behaviours throughout their training and in the workplace.
With regard to apprentices’ personal development, the report detailed how they successfully apply their new knowledge and skills in the workplace to solve problems in their jobs, and benefit immensely from training in exciting and transformative learning environments. The inspectors added that employers make sure that apprentices have access to high-quality on-the-job training and support in the workplace, and that staff work extremely efficiently with employers to ensure that apprentices make exceptional progress.
The leadership and management of the apprenticeships was likewise lauded: “Leaders, including those responsible for governance, have a thorough oversight of the quality of education that apprentices receive,” the inspectors wrote.
Raj Kakaiya, Head of Apprenticeships at Brunel, said: “Our apprenticeships aim to address some of the biggest skills gaps in the UK, such as those outlined in the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan. We know that our apprentices are having precisely the impact we’ve readied them for, developing clinical services, improving patient outcomes, enriching the NHS’s data analytics capability and even making airport operations more efficient.
“We deliver purpose-driven apprenticeships, and our apprentices benefit from transformational career development.
“I’m proud our provision has been graded Outstanding, which means that Brunel is one of the very highest-quality providers of apprenticeships in the whole country.”
Professor Andrew Jones, Brunel’s Vice-Chancellor and President, said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the Outstanding rating from Ofsted. It’s an impressive independent assessment of the excellent work by our teaching and support teams, and of the amazing achievements of our apprentices. It demonstrates our commitment to the needs of business, industry and the professions by delivering the highest quality of education and training to meet their skills needs.”
The full report is available from Ofsted's website.
Find out more about Brunel University London’s apprenticeships.
Reported by:
Joe Buchanunn,
Media Relations
+44 (0)1895 268821
joe.buchanunn@brunel.ac.uk