Driver training provider branded inadequate by inspectorsA training provider based in Basildon has been branded inadequate by Ofsted.
XR Training, which is based in Cranes Farm Road, was criticised for failing to involve employers in training programmes.
The company provided taxi and minibus training with no research or consideration for the local labour market and job prospects, inspectors found.
XR Training is funded by the Skills Funding Agency to provide workbased learning programmes and apprenticeship training for adults nationwide.
Ofsted told the service it needed to make improvements when it was last inspected in July 2013, but bosses argue not enough time has passed for progress to be reflected.
Inspectors were critical of a 12-week course offered by the company, providing training as a private hire / taxi driver.
The report said: “Leaders have not researched the local labour market to establish that work in private hire mini-bus driving is available.
“Trainers failed to give accurate information and guidance about the challenges of acquiring the private hire / taxi licence.
“As a result, too many learners enrolled on the programme and subsequently failed to gain the licence or find work.”
The company, which has two other centres in Wales and Birmingham, had 726 learners on its books last year.
Managing director Richard Heatherill said: “Obviously we are very disappointed with the outcome of the inspection.
“We have been working hard since the last inspection to embed changes required by Ofsted, but the full results have yet to come to fruition.”
Despite the inadequate rating, Ofsted acknowledged recent staff changes had brought increased expertise to the company.
Mr Heatherill said: “The nature of the inspection, called with two working days’ notice, meant few of our learners were spoken to or observed as they are all employed adults working around the UK, not in a college-based set up.
“The vast majority of them are progressing well and are on target to complete successfully in a timely manner.
“We are committed to make further improvements and, as the report has noted, we have made key appointments to the team to help us drive progress forward.”
http://www.xrtraining.com/source:
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/NEWS/1172455 ... nspectors/
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