The University of Hertfordshire's apprenticeship programme "requires improvement" after its first Ofsted inspection.

After a visit between October 4 and 7 this year, the education regulator has said university leaders do not sufficiently monitor apprentices' progress in their learning, "destinations" or attendance, and added too few participants access the careers service.

Despite an overall Ofsted "requires improvement" rating, the Hatfield university received praise for working with large employers such as the NHS, TUI Travel and Vauxhall Motors, and for effective safeguarding practices.

The Ofsted inspector's report reads: "Most tutors do not provide a curriculum that helps apprentices develop their skills and knowledge beyond the academic and technical training associated with the apprenticeship.

"Very few apprentices attend the vast range of enrichment opportunities available at the university, including clubs and societies, guest speakers and lectures."

It adds: "Staff do not provide impartial careers advice and guidance to apprentices.

"Too few apprentices access the careers service available at the university, however, most apprentices are well-prepared for the next stage of education or training and for the career paths available at their current employer."

The report urged staff to plan for and provide a "broader curriculum" for apprenticeship, and to "rapidly increase" the number of apprentices who achieve their senior leader (Level 7) apprenticeship within agreed timescales.

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Despite an overall "requires improvement" rating – the second-lowest result – the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes and apprenticeships categories were rated "good".

The report highlighted that the 696 apprentices on their levels 5-7 qualifications "feel, and are, safe".

It added tutors help apprentices establish their English and maths skills, and that they provide helpful and detailed feedback to support learners to meet a "high academic standard".

Responding to the Ofsted report, a University of Hertfordshire spokesperson said: "We are passionate about offering alternative routes to traditional education, and we are proud of the education and training we provide for our apprentices.

"We have taken on board all feedback received, and we are already working hard to address the issues raised, including improved learner tracking and introduction of management systems for Apprenticeships.

"We expect a follow-up visit from Ofsted, to assess our progress against the report findings, within the next year.

"We have 14 higher and degree apprenticeship programmes available, and our team of experts work with employers across a wide variety of sectors to create apprenticeship programmes that truly drive value to both the employer and the learner."