Parkdean Resorts, the UK’s leading holiday park operator, has received approval from Ofsted for its provision of apprenticeships and training.
The company has been providing apprenticeships to its own employees since January 2020, and currently has apprentices on standards-based programmes at level 2 and level 3, in the company’s head office in Gosforth, as well as at holiday parks across the country.
A key focus of the most recent inspection was on the impact of COVID-19 on apprenticeships, and the report found that Parkdean “acted swiftly to protect apprentices’ jobs” during the Pandemic.
The report also praises Parkdean for the “high quality on-the-job training” that Line Managers provide, helping apprentices to “develop substantial new knowledge, skills, and behaviours”, and become “effective and valued employees and take on extra responsibilities.” The report concludes by finding that Parkdean’s “Leaders and staff promote a culture of working safely across the organisation,” and that “Apprentices feel safe.”
Lisa Charles-Jones, HR Director at Parkdean Resorts, said: “As one of fewer than 200 employers certified to offer apprenticeship qualifications, these Ofsted inspections are really important to track our progress and identify areas for improvement. We’re looking forward to bringing more apprentices on board this year and providing quality training and development to help more young people to progress through our business.
“Safeguarding is a particular focus to ensure that young people have a great experience whilst they are learning with us, so we were pleased to note that Ofsted commended our approach in that area.
