Ofsted visit Mercia Partnership
The following comments were made in the report that followed that visit:
Overall success rates on apprenticeship programmes have improved and are now high; rates increased from 62.5% in 2007/08 to 88.6% in 2008/09, which is above the national rate of 70.9%. The proportion of learners who complete their programmes within agreed timescales has also improved and is high; rates improved from 58.8% to 88.6% in the same period, which is significantly above the national rate. Train to Gain success rates rose by 40 percentage points to 68.6% in the same period.
Mercia has introduced a response to redundancy programme in the centre of Liverpool. It provides a three-day employability programme followed by specific individual training. Learners are highly positive that the programme with its specific training increases their confidence, communication and employability skills and promotes their economic and social well-being.
Employers comment that Mercia is flexible in the delivery of its training, provides good support to learners and keeps them well informed about employees’ progress. The provider uses employer feedback effectively to contribute to the development of programmes and to meet employers’ training needs.
Mercia has a clear focus on inclusion and now offers an increased range of provision to underrepresented learners. This includes Skills for Life programmes for those with learning difficulties and for residents in a women’s hostel.
The provider has a good focus on learner safety. The learner induction includes information on health and safety, as well as harassment, bullying and discrimination and provides clear guidance on reporting such issues.
