Amid challenges, Northern Training Academy remains dedicated to industry training.
- Institution loses travel apprenticeships contract but continues other courses.
- Efforts are underway to transition existing apprentices to new providers.
- The Academy critiques Ofsted’s inspection process and findings.
- Managing directors pledge ongoing support for travel industry development.
The Northern Training Academy, a longstanding provider of travel consultant Level 3 courses since March 2015, faces a significant shift in its operations after losing its contract to deliver travel apprenticeships. Despite this setback, the academy maintains its commitment to training within the industry, although it is no longer licensed to conduct these specific courses.
The academy currently manages 30 travel apprentices nationwide and oversees an additional 200 apprentices in non-travel courses. With the ending of its travel contract, immediate steps have been taken to ensure the smooth transition of its travel apprentices to alternative providers, underscoring the institution’s ongoing involvement in their educational progress.
The revocation of the licence follows an Ofsted inspection in May 2023 that deemed the Northern Training Academy ‘inadequate’. Nevertheless, Managing Director Jo Roche has openly expressed the academy’s determination to fulfill existing commitments. Roche highlights that while this contract cessation is unforeseen and challenging, efforts are concentrated on completing current apprenticeships and facilitating effective transitions.
Roche stresses the academy’s role in advising the travel industry about available apprenticeship and vocational training options, even as they do not attempt to regain the lost contract. This proactive stance is further exemplified through new e-learning projects targeting both travel-related companies and organisations outside this realm.
A controversial aspect of this situation involves Ofsted’s critique, which Roche argues was based on an ‘uneven and unfair’ evaluation. She points out that the inspection did not include input from travel employers or apprentices, which she believes led to a misrepresented assessment of the academy’s offerings.
Roche and Business Development Director Mandy Priest express unwavering dedication to supporting travel industry training and aim to continue innovating in their approach. They are actively developing solutions tailored to meet the sector’s evolving needs, affirming that their passion for travel and education drives their continuous efforts.
The Northern Training Academy remains steadfast in its support for industry training despite recent challenges.
