For over 145 years, City & Guilds has collaborated with people, organisations, and economies to help them identify and develop the skills they need to thrive.

We understand the life-changing link between skills development, social mobility, prosperity, and success, so everything we do focuses on developing and delivering high-quality training, qualifications, and credentials that lead to jobs and meet the changing needs of industry.

We are delighted to share that Gen2, a City & Guilds training business specialising in the Engineering, Nuclear, and Manufacturing sectors, has been awarded a ‘Good’ rating by Ofsted following a recent inspection. Through Gen2, we have been supporting learners in Cumbria for many years, with approximately 1,450 apprentices in learning, along with 300 higher education students this year, and are pleased that this training delivery has been recognised for its high standards.

The report particularly commended its targeted, job-focused education programmes for young people, and the impact they have on helping them enter employment and gain apprenticeships.

Ofsted, which inspects and regulates education, training, and care providers in England, interviewed learners and teaching staff at several of Gen2’s training centres, which deliver training programmes in Engineering, Nuclear, and Manufacturing. The inspection also scrutinised Gen2’s policies and processes.

The report described how “tutors use their specialist industry expertise to help learners and apprentices understand how theory applies to the workplace” and noted that learners and apprentices benefited from “constructive and developmental feedback.” It found that achievement rates were high, with learners and apprentices well-prepared for their final assessments and attaining at least their expected progress on their courses and apprenticeships.

Craig Smith, Managing Director at Gen2, said:

“This report shows that learners are feeling the positive impact of our training programmes, developing new skills and receiving suitable support to achieve their qualifications. It’s also testament to the commitment and passion of our staff, who ensure that our courses provide pathways to employment and meet regional skills priorities.”

Kirstie Donnelly MBE, Chief Executive, City & Guilds, said:

“Gen2’s inspection outcome demonstrates the quality of its training and the positive experience of its learners, who are acquiring skills which will equip them for careers in key UK employment sectors. This also means that all three of City & Guilds’ training businesses are now rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted.”

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