Kwik Fit apprenticeship programme receives Ofsted Outstanding rating

We were over the moon last week to be awarded Ofsted’s highest possible ranking for our apprenticeship scheme. Following our latest inspection in April, Ofsted has graded Kwik Fit as Level 1 (Outstanding) and commented that the scheme made a ‘demonstrable impact on apprentices’ future career prospects’. What’s more, only 5% of the learning providers that were assessed in the past year (364 in total) received Ofsted’s top rating.

The Kwik Fit Difference

Achieving an Outstanding rating is no mean feat. In fact Kwik Fit was the only employer providing training to achieve a grade 1 rating in Ofsted’s most recent full year of inspections. In addition, our apprentices achieve twice as many vocational credits as required by the apprenticeship framework and the proportion of apprentices who successfully completed their programme within the planned timescale is above similar providers nationally.

“So how do we do it?” you might be wondering. We’re glad you asked. Here are but three reasons why the Kwik Fit apprenticeship is the best in the industry.

The perfect mix of theory and practice

Crucially, Kwik Fit’s apprenticeship course provides a structured training mix of classroom theory, training workshops and in-centre activities. This gives apprentices major advantages over those following purely classroom based courses and allows them to quickly develop the right skills for a long term career. What better way to cement classroom findings than to put these into practice in a workshop environment? This was evident in Ofsted’s findings which noted that the course provided good links between theory and practice while giving apprentices an excellent range of personal, social and employability skills. The course is challenging, no doubt, and apprentices are expected to produce work to a high level of accuracy and quality, but this mix of classroom and on-the-job training gives them the best opportunity to progress into a career in the motor industry while developing a high regard for safe working practices.

The best resources and technology

Kwik Fit has four training academies in Derby, Harlow, Reading and Broxburn, each decked out with the latest equipment and technology. The kit used in our training facilities is the same as that found in our centres so apprentices can familiarise themselves with specialist equipment such as our Hunter four wheel alignment machines before putting their new skills into practice in centre. Our training workshops are spacious and provide an ample selection of vehicles from various manufacturers for our apprentices to practice on, from tyre changes to brake and exhaust replacements - our training centres provide the perfect setting for apprentices to hone their craft and support their learning.

Tailored training for each apprentice

We assess the prior knowledge and experience of each of our new apprentices to ensure the pace of the course meets their needs. This ensures that none of our apprentices are left behind while challenging those that show aptitude so that they do not lose interest. Having identified the range of abilities of each apprentice, our tutors and assessors set appropriately challenging targets that are monitored closely while providing the support that each individual apprentice needs.

Apprentices are also given the opportunity to choose a development path six months into the course which focuses on specific areas of training. This gives apprentices the chance to choose their preferred career path, whether they want to focus on being a tyre fitter or advance into one of the more technical disciplines like servicing or centre management. So while many learning providers offer a ‘one size fits all’ approach, the Kwik Fit apprenticeship is bespoke to each and every candidate we take on.

About the Kwik Fit Apprenticeship

Our apprenticeship programme lasts around two years and provides a total of 91 learning credits. The course includes a Level 2 Diploma in Vehicle Fitting (with the opportunity to move onto an advanced Level 3 programme) and we work closely with the awarding body to ensure all our training and assessments meet recognised national criteria. Our apprenticeship training is delivered entirely in-house by our fully qualified trainers whilst our assessors visit apprentices regularly in centre to check on their progress.

Find out more about our apprenticeship programme from our former students