Telford learning provider rated 'inadequate' by Ofsted
Education inspectors have highlighted a string of failures at a Telford-based firm that provides apprenticeship training programmes and vocational-based courses for businesses across the UK.
Matrix Training and Development Ltd, based at Horton Park Industrial Estate, has been rated "inadequate" across the board by Ofsted inspectors.
A newly-published report into an inspection, which took place in May and June, said tutors did not provide apprentices with appropriate targets with clear and measurable learning outcomes.
Inspectors said apprentices’ on and off-the-job training was not sufficiently coordinated or monitored effectively by Matrix’s staff.
The report said: "Apprentices’ rates of achievement have shown a declining trend since the previous full inspection in 2014.
"Last year, they fell below an already low national average.
"The number of apprentices who completed their framework within their planned timescale also declined."
Inspectors also said safeguarding arrangements were "ineffective" and there was no strategy in place for the development of English and maths skills.
The report said the main focus of leaders had been on financial matters and ensuring the sustainability of contracts.
Inspectors said managers had not kept up to date with developments in the training sector.
Governance and the performance management of staff was described as "weak".
Inspectors said assessors’ tracking and monitoring of apprentices’ progress was also "weak" and managers did not challenge assessors sufficiently to ensure that apprentices make good progress with their learning programme.
The report said: "The planning of learning is insufficient to ensure that the most able apprentices are challenged to extend their learning and all apprentices develop skills over and above the technical element of their qualification."
The company was judged "inadequate" in areas of leadership, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, outcomes for learners and apprenticeships.
However, it was praised for building up a base of good employers to work with and inspectors noted that the number of learners who remain in employment after completing their apprenticeship is high.
The company began delivering training in 2000 and provides government-funded programmes through a direct contract with the Education and Skills Funding Agency and as a subcontractor to Heart of Worcestershire College.
It also provides intermediate and advanced apprenticeships in business administration, customer service, team leading and management, warehousing and storage, and manufacturing.
Two non-executive directors own the company, while the senior team is formed by two further directors focused on business development and operations.
The senior team is supported by a delivery team comprising 12 assessors and a lead quality assurance manager, in addition to a team of five recruitment and telesales staff.
As well as government-funded training, Matrix also offers employers privately funded training.
The company declined to comment.
