Telford based Polymer Training Limited (PTL) – recently purchased by Next-tec of Stafford – has been praised by Ofsted for improvements in their performance since last being inspected in 2004.

The report, carried out in December, points to areas which require further improvement, but also highlights a number of fields where the company is performing well. It also recognises the improvements brought about by the introduction of new owners.

The report says that ‘since the previous inspection in 2004, PTL has maintained some of the strengths that were identified and addressed a number of weaknesses.’

It continues: ‘Plans are well advanced to restructure the company. The new owners have improved the company’s financial stability and are fully aware of the challenges they face. PTL staff work well as a team to solve problems and support employers and learners.’

Ofsted points to ‘good and improving achievement rates’ with learners on the Train to Gain programme reaching an 85% pass rate in 2006/7. The report also highlights PTL’s ‘particularly effective relations with employers’ along with the company’s ‘strong commitment’ to developing training within the polymer sector.

Chief Executive of Next-tec and Polymer Training Limited Managing Director, Peter Smith, said:
“When we acquired PTL at the end of last year, we knew that the company faced challenges to achieve the level of excellence it is capable of and the industry demands and I am pleased that Ofsted has recognised the strength of our plans to do just that.

“I am particularly pleased that PTL’s excellent employer relations and the way in which our training methods help learners relate this to the companies in which they work has been recognised by Ofsted.”

Ofsted also highlighted what it called Next-tec’s ‘strong commitment to develop PTL as a leading training provider’ and recognised that the new owner’s ‘strong leadership’ has both secured the company’s future and greatly improved staff morale.

Peter Smith continues:
“Where there are weaknesses in the business, we are working hard to eradicate them, but I also want to pay tribute to the hard working and dedicated team at PTL for their work in improving on the last inspection in 2004. Next-tec bought PTL to improve it even more and that is what we have set about doing.”

Charmaine Bowers, Operations Manager, said:
“We pride ourselves on our excellent relationship with learners and their employers and delivering high quality training relevant to the workplace. There is always room for improvement, but it is heartening to know that Ofsted has recognised the progress we have made since 2004.

“I am confident that that trend will continue under the ownership of Next-tec and I am looking forward to continuing to improve the service we offer to learners from right across the UK and abroad. There is no room for complacency, but I think we can be pleased with the progress we’ve made so far.”

-Ends-

Notes

The full report can be found at www.ofsted.gov.uk