Focus Achieves Fourth Place in Regional Apprenticeship Achievement Rates
When we say we that real outcomes for our students are our number one priority, we mean it – and we have the data to back it up.
The 2024/25 Department for Education (DfE) apprenticeship achievement rates for the South West have been released, and the results speak for themselves. Out of the entire region’s training providers, Focus Training is ranked fourth. Look closer at the data, and the picture becomes even clearer: The only training providers sitting above us are two major universities, and a highly specialized sporting trust.
When it comes to apprenticeships, Focus out-performs all of the General FE colleges, and all but one of the training providers in the South West.
Quality Over Volume: The Proof
Our priority has always been quality of education over the volume of students, and our 72.4% achievement rate reflects exactly that. It places us comfortably within the top 5 providers in the South West, and well above the national average. When you look at the regional data, this independent approach consistently positions us right alongside the top educational institutions in the area.
Here’s how we stack up against the region’s providers:
- Plymouth Argyle Football in the Community Trust – 83.8%
- University of Exeter – 83.8%
- University of Plymouth – 80.2%
- Focus Training (SW) Limited – 72.4%
- Truro and Penwith College – 72%
- Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group – 71.9%
- Yeovil College – 71%
- Weston College of Further and Higher Education – 70.8%
- Cornwall College – 70.7%
- City College Plymouth – 68.4%
- Achievement Training Limited – 68.2%
- Cornwall Marine Network Limited – 65.9%
- Clarkson Evans Training Limited – 64.8%
- Plymouth Training and Consultancy Ltd – 64.6%
- Bristol City Council – 62.5%
- Accountancy Learning Ltd – 61.4%
- City of Bristol College – 60.8%
- Blue Screen IT Limited – 60%
- South Devon College – 60%
- JTL – 59.8%
- Bath College – 59%
- Skills to Group Limited – 54.5%
- Petroc – 53.4%
- Greenlight Training Limited – 52%
- PGL Training (Plumbing) Limited – 42.5%
- University of St Mark & St John – 36.1%
Click to watch: Focus Training in action during National Apprenticeship Week
The Focus Formula: Why Our Model Delivers
The Focus difference is all about the environment.
Big college campuses may look impressive on a prospectus, but they don’t necessarily help an apprentice master the details of a complex trade. Across our training centres in Plymouth, Exeter, Bristol, and Cornwall, we do things differently:
- We Keep Classes Small: You aren’t just a number in a classroom here. Smaller groups mean our tutors actually get to know your name, your strengths, and where you need extra support.
- We Hire Industry Experts: Our tutors aren’t career academics who’ve only read the textbook, or stand-ins from another subject brought in to cover topics they don’t have any experience in. They’re professionals who have lived the trade, brought their tools into the classroom, and genuinely care about training the next generation of professionals.
- We Partner with the Best: We hand-pick regional employers who are genuinely invested in building confidence and career progression for our apprentices.
High Standards. Real Results.
Whether you’re an employer investing in apprenticeships, or an apprentice looking to kickstart your career in:
- Trades: Electrical, Plumbing & Gas or Fire & Security;
- Healthcare;
- Childcare and Education; or
- Business: Accounting, Business Admin, Customer Services or Marketing;
…you get to choose which way to go.
You can choose another training provider or college… or you can join the fourth highest-ranking training provider in the region for an exceptional experience and excellent results!
The data proves that the Focus way works, so if you’re ready to get started, get in touch today.