Grimsby-based Avant Skills Academy has been awarded Apprenticeship Expert Training Provider status by the Department for Education, making it one of only six independent apprenticeship training providers across the country and the only apprenticeship provider in the Humber.
The Department for Education’s decision is said to reflect Avant’s outstanding track record in providing high-quality apprenticeship programmes.
Entry criteria were strict, with only 13 apprenticeship providers being selected from over 1,000 currently delivering apprenticeships in England. Eligibility criteria included:
- • Judged ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted
• Have an apprenticeship achievement rate of 51% or above
• Have at least a 4-star employer feedback rating
• Be in good financial health
• Delivered apprenticeships for more than 5 years
Avant met all of the above criteria and was able to submit a written application, which was then assessed against a rigid scoring matrix by the DfE.
Steve Roe, Chief Executive at Avant Skills Academy, said: “This status is a testament to our team’s unwavering dedication to delivering high-quality training and education to local employers. This status will also give us special flexibilities and permissions in the apprenticeship service, which includes accessing the system on behalf of employers to support them when taking on an apprentice.”
As an Apprenticeship Expert Provider, Avant will work closely with local employers to support them in taking on a new apprentice or training their existing staff through the programme. This will simplify the apprenticeship recruitment process for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It will reduce the administrative tasks, time, and resources associated with using the apprenticeship service, freeing up businesses to concentrate more on what they do best, running their businesses.
