Home > News > April 2004 > 30-Apr-2004

Top award for Innogy's engineer training

Innogy, one of the largest suppliers of electricity and gas to the UK’s wholesale energy market, is today celebrating its success after being awarded an “outstanding” grade by the government’s Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) for its training of engineering apprentices.

Based in Ferrybridge in West Yorkshire, Innogy - which is part of the RWE group, a large multi-utility company - was awarded the highest grade 1 – achieved only by a handful of training organisations across the country – for its approach to engineering, technology and manufacturing in its delivery of work-based learning to adults in the area.

The Adult Learning Inspectorate also awarded Innogy a double grade 2 “good” for the leadership and management of the company and also for its approach to quality assurance.

Learner Leigh Powell, one of 55 advanced modern apprentices working towards a national vocational qualification (NVQ) in performing engineering operations, described the overall course as "extremely interesting" and said the quality of mentoring together with practical experience had played an enormous role in his achievements.

James Hough, who is in his first of the four-year course, said: "Since I began, I have learnt different skills and developed them as I have gone on. The tutors also help towards this because they guide me with my learning and treat everyone equal and with great respect."

Learners with a long journey to Innogy’s training centre are provided with accommodation in halls of residence.

James’ classmate Ben Keeble said Innogy’s success was down to its good organisation and planning. He said he was thoroughly enjoying the course because of its well-balanced theoretical and practical content. "I have learnt new skills and feel I have developed as a person", said Ben.

Of the 55 learners, all of whom receive on-the-job training, 36 are employed by Innogy and the remainder are employed by other power generators. Most learners also complete a higher national certificate in either electrical or mechanical engineering. Some go on to study for a higher national diploma (HND).

Mark Tippett, in charge of Innogy’s Learning and Development team said: "We are proud of the quality of the Apprentice training provided at Ferrybridge, and we are delighted to receive recognition of this by the Adult Learning Inspectorate. The scores awarded reflect the efforts of a team which is 100% committed to providing technical training in a thorough and professional way."

David Sherlock, Chief Inspector of Adult Learning, said: "The aim of inspection is to make an independent assessment with the long term goal of raising standards throughout the adult learning sector. It is wonderful to be able to report that Innogy learners are benefiting from the organisation’s high quality approach. When people improve their skills and achieve their qualifications they benefit their organisation, their communities and themselves."

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