A Newton Aycliffe training provider has impressed inspectors in its first ever Ofsted report.
Training and apprenticeship provider Optimum Skills, which is also celebrating its ninth birthday, has achieved a ‘good’ Ofsted rating for its first ever inspection due to the quality of its apprenticeship programme.
Managing director Diane Shakespeare said: “We are absolutely delighted with the result.
“This is a fantastic achievement which highlights the positive impact of our apprenticeship programmes being delivered across the North-East.
“The team have put in a lot of hard work and continue to do so to be able to provide high quality learning and training opportunities across the region.”
The report stated that Optimum Skills effectively uses a programme of training to enable young people to progress in their apprenticeships.
It is particularly focused on a range of apprentices in bricklaying, joinery and roofing that are in demand among employers who face a declining and ageing workforce.
Learners can also choose to enrol on apprenticeships in business and operations, such as customer service, business administration, supply chain management and lean manufacturing.
Optimum Skills have four hubs – Aycliffe Business Park, Middlesbrough, Gateshead and Newcastle, which are set up to bring training opportunities directly to the region.
Diane added: “We are looking forward to working with more businesses across Aycliffe Business Park, particularly in helping to plug training and skills gaps – especially in areas of mental health at work, wellbeing and team leading.”
Optimum’s Aycliffe hub, at Parson’s Court, offers employers and their teams the chance to partake in fully-funded training with a focus on mental health and wellbeing.
Several Aycliffe firms have already benefited from Optimum’s wide-ranging services, including Gestamp, BTS Facades and Fabrications and AAA Caring Caretaker. Alastair Waugh, Gestamp’s wellbeing lead, said: “What I learned from the course will be invaluable in the workplace.
“Knowing how to support colleagues and identify the signs of poor mental health will be vital during this cost of living crisis.
“The team at Optimum Skills deliver their courses with professionalism and expertise.”
BTS financial director Marcia Atkinson heaped further praise on Optimum, saying: “I’ve learned from Optimum all aspects of how to help address mental health issues within the workplace and what and where stigma comes from.
“I’ve enjoyed attaining so much valuable information, working in groups and having group discussions.
“The course will help considerably and has put me on the path of future courses. I would definitely recommend the course to others.”
ROC Solid support worker Gemma Shaw added: “I wanted to gain a better understanding of mental health. I’ve learnt about tools to help people in crisis and about wellness action plans.
“I’ve enjoyed everything about the course it has given me a better knowledge and understanding of the subject.”
And AAA Caring Caretaker’s Kim Maskill said: “Going into the course my goal was to get a base understanding of mental health in the workplace.
“I learned how to devise an action plan and look at the work environment and changes.
“I enjoyed getting practical ideas I can use. This will support me moving into HR and doing more pro-active approaches.”
As well as supporting other firms with mental health awareness courses, Optimum Skills have implemented their own three-year strategy to support health and wellbeing in the workplace.
This includes a wellness package for all staff to access a cash plan for treatments such as dental care, eye care, counselling and much more.
Optimum are also supporting staff with a health and wellbeing app, which will enable them to access more health, wellbeing mental health support.
Find out more about Optimum and its services at optimumskills.co.uk, email [email protected] or call 01325 311832.