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In its first full Ofsted inspection, 3D 360 was rated Good across all areas, with industry-aligned training and strong learner outcomes for individuals and organisations across the North West.
3D 360 has been rated Good across the board by Ofsted, following a recent full inspection carried out.
Inspectors judged overall effectiveness as ‘Good’, alongside ‘Good’ for the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and adult learning programmes.
Highlights from the Oftsed report
- Good overall with Good in every key judgement area, confirming strong and consistent performance across the provider.
- Industry aligned training designed with employers and industry partners to meet regional skills priorities, including a new Electric Vehicles Skills Bootcamp that leads to valuable industry standard qualifications.
- Expert trainers use their real industry expertise well in the teaching experience and most continue to work in the industry they teach. They use clear explanations and real experiences to bring topics to life, practical demonstrations and targeted assessment to correct misconceptions quickly.
- Strong learner outcomes, with most learners completing and many achieving merit and distinction grades in advanced manufacturing modules.
- Excellent learning resources, including an EV training facility with hybrid and all electric vehicles connected to a classroom for immediate theory to practice application.
- Effective support and guidance, from tailored teaching to ongoing business development advice and monthly CAD and 3D print clinics offered in person and online during evenings and weekends to work around learner commitments.
- Safeguarding effectively, with learners reporting that they feel safe and follow clear procedures, including accurate application of cybersecurity principles.
What Ofsted saw
Inspectors found motivated learners who attend well, collaborate professionally and quickly connect classroom learning to real world tasks. The curriculum is logically sequenced, for example teaching components of digital manufacturing before augmented reality, digital twinning and additive manufacturing. Trainers assess starting points carefully, personalise learning and use quizzes and discussion to ensure knowledge sticks. Most learners progress into jobs, self-employment or career growth.
“In this, our first full Oftsed inspection, being rated Good in all areas is a proud moment for our team and our learners. It recognises the quality of our teaching and support, the strength of our employer partnerships and our hands on approach, from giving each learner a 3D printer to working on real equipment. We are focused on helping organisations and people build in demand skills that lead to economic growth and meaningful careers across the North West.”
Our sites and programmes
3D 360 have delivered Skills Bootcamps in Advanced Manufacturing across Cheshire and Warrington, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside, with practical training at our centres in Leigh and Whitehaven and various outreach centres across each county.
Ready to build in-demand skills? Take a look at our four Skills Bootcamps and the other training we have on offer:
Advanced Manufacturing Skills Bootcamps
Funded 10-week modular course. Free 3D printer. For beginners to pros and relevant to multiple industries and applications. Covers: 3D printing, 3D CAD, robotics, automation, AI, big data, cyber security, VR/AR, IoT and Industry 4.0 training, open to employed, self-employed and unemployed learners.
IMI Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Skills Bootcamps
Funded, IMI accredited 8-day Level 4 course. IMI recognised. For early career to experienced technicians. Covers: electric vehicle awareness, isolation, maintenance and diagnostics training, open to employed, self-employed and unemployed learners. and an entry route into IMI TechSafe™ recognition and the IMI Professional Register.
Nuclear Project Management Skills Bootcamps
Funded 8-day course. Gain Level 3 APM Project Management Qualification (PFQ). For career starters to upskilling professionals. Covers: nuclear project delivery, planning, risk, data, sustainability and career preparation training, open to employed, self-employed and unemployed learners.
Pivot to Space Skills Bootcamps
Funded 8-day course. For business leaders, professionals and innovators exploring growth opportunities. Covers: space sector insight, project management, AI, cyber and funding opportunities training, helping businesses pivot, innovate and thrive. For organisations and individuals.
