An apprenticeship programme offered by David Nieper Ltd has been rated ‘good’ in all areas by Ofsted.

Inspectors visited the business, located on Nottingham Road in Alfreton, between August 2 and 4 of this year.

It was the first time Ofsted had carried out a full inspection of the company since the launch of its apprenticeship programme.

David Nieper offers two apprenticeships – the Level 2 sewing machinist apprenticeship and the Level 3 garment maker apprenticeship.

Read more: Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships & Higher Education visits David Nieper

The Level 2 sewing machinist apprenticeship takes a year to complete and supports apprentices to become a multi-skilled sewing machinist.

The Level 3 garment making course takes two years to complete and provides apprentices with the knowledge of the ‘end-to-end’ process required to make a garment.

An inspection report published by Ofsted today (Wednesday, August 30) reveals that the company was rated ‘good’ in all areas and ‘good’ overall.

The report praises leaders, trainers and managers at the company for their support for the programme, and says courses are “well thought out and logically organised”.

Read more: Spotlight on David Nieper Ltd’s apprenticeship programme

The report also offers praise for the apprentices themselves and their dedication to the programme.

It states: “Apprentices are well invested in, and positive about, their training.

“They are passionate about the opportunities the course provides for a career in clothing manufacturing and are committed to achieving the best results they can.

“They are rightly proud of the significant new practical skills they learn and their new knowledge of how the fashion manufacturing sector operates.”

Christopher Nieper OBE, the company’s chief executive, has welcomed the Ofsted report.

He said: “Thank you Ofsted for your vote of confidence. At last we have a way to convert the apprenticeship levy into genuine on-the-job training for local people which leads to real jobs.

“It’s good news for British fashion and textiles and I hope many more British companies will feel able to do the same.”

You can read the full Ofsted report here.

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