COPA has been awarded a ‘good’ Ofsted rating after a recent inspection. The inspection, held in July 2023, highlighted the quality of training on offer, including how apprentices enjoy their learning and make effective contributions at work.
COPA offers a number of apprenticeship standards in the construction and active leisure sectors.
During the visit, inspectors met apprentices, employers, tutors and COPA leadership, including members of the company’s governance board.
Gareth James, Managing Director of COPA said: “This was our first Ofsted inspection and we’re delighted with the feedback. We’ve only been delivering apprenticeships in England since 2021, and have taken a considered and informed approach to the development and delivery of our offer.
“Our strategy is obviously working well for our apprentices and employer partners. We’ve worked carefully to develop our curriculum and capabilities in a way which allows us to respond to national skills gaps in the construction and leisure and fitness sectors.
“The majority of our apprentices complete additional qualifications as part of their apprenticeship programme. This helps help them to gain further skills which are useful for their employers and also valuable throughout their career.
“We work hard to provide our apprentices with high quality education and training, including significant investment in the development of our team to allow them to support our apprentices in a way which helps them develop the skills and knowledge they need. We look for people who are well-qualified and have relevant industry experience, and can engage with our apprentice learners. All staff benefit from professional development to help them improve their teaching practice – this has a positive impact on how our apprentices learn.
“Many of our learners have not previously engaged in education or training in the past – and had poor relationships with school. We hear and see it every day but it is extra special for the report to say our apprentices enjoy learning with us, and are able to make a positive contribution to their work settings.
“I would like to thank everyone in the COPA family – this is for you. Everyone in the team plays a hugely important role in supporting our apprentices to reach their peak potential, helping them to achieve their training and career goals.”
