Training firm in top form

Its working processes hailed as an example for others to follow.

The part Government funded organisation covers the Bolton, Bury and Wigan areas and provides vocational training and advice for businesses and local people.

The company was recently subject to a major inspection by The Adult Learning Inspectorate -- a nationwide body responsible for raising the standards of education and training for young people and adults, by inspecting and reporting on the quality of learning provision they receive.

Its role is to bring the inspection of all aspects of adult learning and work-based learning within the remit of a single inspectorate.

Alliance Learning had its overall grade improve significantly from four to two which is described as 'good' on a scale of performance.

The private company employs almost 100 staff and provides work-based training for 550 young people and 450 adults as part of an employer training pilot scheme.

Learners work towards foundation and advanced apprenticeships and National Vocational Qualifications in a range of subjects, such as engineering, technology, manufacturing, care and childcare, retail, customer service, warehousing and also business administration.

The wide-reaching inspection process involved 11 different inspectors over 46 days. More than 90 learner interviews were conducted, 60 staff interviews and almost 40 employer interviews.

Alliance Learning's chief executive, David Guthrie, said the improved grading is a major boost for the organisation.

"In effect we have improved by two grades over the past 12 months.

"More effective and monitored procedures have been implemented and are producing positive results for the company, to such an extent that inspectors have identified Alliance Learning models and processes as exemplary. And it will be published in the ALI Good Practice Guide and published on the internet, for other training providers to access.

ALLIANCE Learning, the Horwich-based independent training provider, has earned an improved grading following a major independent quality and performance review.

Its working processes are hailed as an example for others to follow.

The part Government funded organisation covers the Bolton, Bury and Wigan areas and provides vocational training and advice for businesses and local people.

The company was recently subject to a major inspection by The Adult Learning Inspectorate -- a nationwide body responsible for raising the standards of education and training for young people and adults, by inspecting and reporting on the quality of learning provision they receive.

Its role is to bring the inspection of all aspects of adult learning and work-based learning within the remit of a single inspectorate.

Alliance Learning had its overall grade improve significantly from four to two which is described as 'good' on a scale of performance.

The private company employs almost 100 staff and provides work-based training for 550 young people and 450 adults as part of an employer training pilot scheme.

Learners work towards foundation and advanced apprenticeships and National Vocational Qualifications in a range of subjects, such as engineering, technology, manufacturing, care and childcare, retail, customer service, warehousing and business administration.

The wide-reaching inspection process involved 11 different inspectors over 46 days. More than 90 learner interviews were conducted, 60 staff interviews and almost 40 employer interviews.

Alliance Learning's chief executive, David Guthrie, said the improved grading is a major boost for the organisation.

"In effect we have improved by two grades over the past 12 months.

"More effective and monitored procedures have been implemented and are producing positive results for the company, to such an extent that inspectors have identified Alliance Learning models and processes as exemplary. And it will be published in the ALI Good Practice Guide and published on the internet, for other training providers to access.