Lavender International receives outstanding feedback in Ofsted monitoring visit
26/03/2025
Lavender International NDT has achieved ‘significant progress’ in all three areas from Ofsted following the provider’s first monitoring visit, which was conducted on 17 and 18 December 2024.
The Ofsted report highlights the significant progress by the organisation in delivering high-quality apprenticeship training in non-destructive testing (NDT). The inspection covered the Level 2 NDT Operator and Level 3 NDT Engineering Technician programmes.
Key findings from the report highlight that leaders and managers have developed and implemented highly effective apprenticeship programmes that cater to local, regional and national employer needs. Their efforts in promoting the sector aim to address the challenges of an ageing workforce by developing a pipeline of well-trained, experienced and talented engineers.
The report also states that the organisation provides high-quality training in an engineering sector with a high demand for relevant skills and knowledge. Leaders work closely with employers to design individualised training programmes that meet both employer and industry needs. Staff members are well trained and highly qualified, demonstrating excellent subject knowledge in their teaching. Apprentices and employers value the expertise and industrial experience of the staff, which helps apprentices develop a deep understanding of their studies. Leaders and managers are highly committed to the success of their apprenticeship programmes, setting high expectations and providing strong support to apprentices. There is a clear focus on continuous improvement and delivering a very high standard of training.
Leaders and managers are also reported to prioritise apprentice safety, holding monthly safeguarding team meetings to address concerns, provide individualised support and identify emerging trends. Safer recruitment processes ensure staff are suitable to work with apprentices and all new staff complete mandatory training in safeguarding, the ‘Prevent’ duty and equality and diversity.
Effective procedures are in place to record, report and address concerns, with the safeguarding team receiving ongoing training to support apprentices effectively.
Madeleine Best, Operations Manager, Apprenticeships, commented: “This is an incredible result for our team, as fewer than 10% of providers achieve a grading of ‘significant progress’. The lead inspector said that it is rare for a new provider to receive significant progress across all three themes.
“Our approach ensures that the curriculum incorporates tailored training and workplace support alongside hands-on practical instruction at our training facilities. We remain committed to working closely with employers to enhance learner support and provide apprentices with the best opportunities to develop their skills and potential.”
The Ofsted report underscores Lavender International’s dedication to excellence in NDT training and its pivotal role in addressing industry skills gaps. The organisation remains dedicated to upholding these high standards while providing training opportunities for apprentices, continuously striving for improvement and excellence.
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| Lavender International’s leaders and managers work closely with employers to design individualised apprenticeship training programmes |
Tim Armitt, Managing Director, Lavender International, said: “This outcome validates our commitment to delivering excellent and comprehensive guidance and tuition in a safe environment, ensuring successful outcomes in the end-point assessment.”
