Leading the Way: How OAL and Bournemouth & Poole College Transformed Marine Apprenticeships

The challenge demanded an immediate solution, and OAL rose to the occasion, demonstrating their responsiveness, dedication and agility. Within an impressive 12-week period, OAL designed and delivered comprehensive assessment materials, including detailed guides, practice tests, and customised observations plans, ensuring that training providers, apprentices and employers had the tools necessary for successful assessments. BPC’s Engineering and Marine Apprenticeship Manager, Craig Robinson commented that he could see how “OAL’s transparent and engaging approach is what earned them the reputation of being, the people’s EPAO.” highlighting their commitment to service and trust.

Antony Carr, Executive Director of Higher Education and Skills at BPC, was quickly impressed by OAL’s speed and quality of work but was even more impressed by the human face they brought to EPA, “OAL were regularly in touch with us, and the other providers delivering the marine standards, to check that their interpretation was as closely aligned as possible to ours”. He further commented “It was clear OAL always had the interests of the apprentices at heart. They worked closely us all (colleges delivering the standards) and IfATE to ensure that the apprentices, closest to gateway, would not be disadvantaged by the previous EPAOs challenges”.

Strengthening the Marine Sector

The marine industry, a critical component of the local and national economy, relies on skilled workers to thrive. The British marine industry has long been a key factor in the history of the UK’s import and export trade, defence, safety and security. The impact of the partnership between OAL and BPC extended beyond immediate challenges. Key employers, including BAE, Berthon, Pendennis Shipyards, Princess Yacht, the RNLI and Sunseeker, depend on a continuous pipeline of proficient talent. The RNLI’s national boatbuilding centre in Poole, is reliant on the Boatbuilder and Marine Engineering apprentices. Without the apprentices completing their apprenticeships, the production of RNLI lifeboats was in jeopardy. A marine industry representative commented “By stepping in and stabilising the assessment process” OAL and BPC “safeguarded the marine sector from potential workforce shortages” thus protecting an industry essential to the economic health of the UK.

OALs commitment to the sector, as well as their passion and knowledge for apprenticeships and EPA was immediately apparent to the employers and providers. “They demonstrated the highest levels of quality, professionalism and service”. Which gave all parties the reassurance and confidence in EPA, that had been at risk of being broken. “OAL took the initiative to build direct relationships with employers” Antony Carr (BPC). OAL attended trailblazer meetings, supporting the development of the revised standards.

BPC’s Unwavering Support

The success of this initiative was equally fuelled by BPC’s dedication to the apprentices they trained. Lee Reddington, Partnership Director OAL, commented on BPC’s contribution, “The College’s commitment to vocational training excellence, provided a vital support system for OAL, and although BPC welcomed a new EPAO picking up the Marine standards, they were always adamant that the quality of service and rapidness of response was paramount”. Lee further commented “Antony, Craig and all the team at BPC, were adamant that the apprentices should not suffer due to changes beyond their control”. Through timely feedback and a collaborative mindset, BPC ensured that their apprentices were well-prepared and positioned for success. Lee Reddington, “BPC worked with OAL, IfATE and Ofqual to build in flexibilities, for those already at gateway, so they were not disadvantaged, and agreed timeframes for when the flexibilities would be removed. To give them, and the other providers, time to prepare other apprentices for the IfATE approved assessment plan”. Criag Robinson, BPC, “OAL’s commitment to working in partnership with us and the other providers as well as with the employers, IfATE and Ofqual, ensured the transition for the apprentices was seamless”.

Beyond feeding into the process, BPC provided classrooms at the college, allowing OAL to deliver dedicated support sessions for the providers, employers and apprentices. Empowering all parties, building confidence and understanding on what to expect moving forward. Antony and Craig both agreed that this left everyone “feeling fully prepared for the EPA process”. Antony further commented that “the sessions gave a forum for all parties to ask questions and reassured them of OALs commitment to supporting the sector for the long term”.

Building Trust with Employers

OALs entry into the marine sector was initially met with scepticism. OAL, although a nationally recognised EPAO, are based out of York in the North of England, quite a distance from the southern coast where most UK boat manufacturers reside. OAL have garnered a reputation as a leading EPAO in the engineering and manufacturing industries but up to now lacked prior experience in this specific field. However, Lee Reddington, OAL, commented “BPC’s endorsement played a crucial role in fostering trust”. BPC has been a pillar of education and vocational training in Dorset and beyond since its establishment in 1913. With over a century of experience, the college has built a reputation of producing skilled, job-ready professionals who meet the evolving needs of various industries. Lee further added “the College is a trusted name and partner when it comes to delivering high quality apprenticeship programmes”.

A key strength of BPC lies in its close collaboration with local and national businesses. Antony Carr, “By maintaining strong partnerships with industry leaders, BPC ensures curriculum is current, practical, and aligned with employers’ needs”. This emphasis on industry focused training ensures that apprentices are not just learning theoretical concepts but are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for immediate contribution in their respective fields. Joint presentations with OAL and open communication with stakeholders helped reassure employers and demonstrate the reliability of OALs methods. This transparent approach cultivated confidence, turning initial doubt into lasting partnerships.

OALs superb employer engagement and unparallelled service has further strengthened the relationship between OAL, BPC and the marine industry. This was achieved through BPC’s and OAL’s commitment to partnership working, arranging joint visits to key stakeholders such as Berthon, the RNLI and Sunseeker, fostering open and honest dialogue from the outset and a continued aligned approach to quality apprentice led delivery.  

Expanding Horizons and Winning Awards

BPCs trust in OALs capability to deliver reliable EPA to the Marine sector has led to further collaboration. They have since invited OAL to become the EPAO for the Marine Electrician standard, making OAL the first approved EPAO in this area. Antony commented “OALs commitment to inclusivity, particularly their attention to apprentices requiring reasonable adjustments, set a benchmark for best practices and highlighted their adaptability and genuine care for learner success”.

Lee Reddington from OAL, “The partnership between OAL and BPC has had a profound and positive impact on the marine apprenticeship landscape. By addressing challenges with swift, collaborative action, we have helped stabilise crucial programs and also set a foundation for long-term success”. The collaboration was recognised recently at the Federation of Awarding Bodies Annual Awards 2024, for “exemplifying the power of shared commitment and innovative thinking in overcoming obstacles and fostering future excellence in vocational training”, when OAL and BPC were jointly awarded the prestigious Awarding Organisation and Training Provider Collaboration of the Year 2024 at the FAB Awards on Monday night (25^th November 2024), for their partnership on the marine standards.