Delivering Apprenticeships Remotely: West Suffolk College’s Onefile Journey

The Challenge

When the transition to home working and teaching became necessary, West Suffolk College anticipated challenges. While delivery staff were accustomed to occasional home working, being home-based for a sustained period was new and raised concerns. 

They needed a plan to maintain engagement and continuity, so they implemented regular video contact via Microsoft Teams and Zoom to keep staff and teams connected. 

The Solution

West Suffolk College acted quickly to reassure learners and employers that learning could continue. They explained how home learning would work and demonstrated their ability to provide ongoing support. 

Learners adapted well, with many reporting they preferred remote learning. Some found it reduced anxiety and made them feel more relaxed. Additional support tutors noted that remote contact reduced stigma, improving engagement. Over 25 learners completed end-point assessments during this period – proving that anything is possible. 

How Onefile supported remote learning 

• Recorded Zoom/Teams sessions uploaded to Onefile for revision 
• Links to online resources added to session plans 
• Messaging system used to track engagement 
• BKSB integration for Maths and English progress 
• Announcements feature for motivational messages and wellbeing advice 

Tracking engagement and progress 

Onefile’s visual progress bars and Off-The-Job tracking motivated learners. Bespoke reports showed last learner activity, engagement with session plans and submissions – tools the college plans to continue using post-lockdown. 

The Impact

Onefile helped West Suffolk College maintain high engagement and deliver apprenticeships remotely. Learners progressed confidently, tutors monitored activity effectively, and Ofsted praised the use of Onefile during a short inspection for evidencing learner progress and target setting. 

Ready to keep learners engaged and deliver training remotely? 

Discover how Onefile can help you track progress, reduce anxiety and maintain quality – wherever your learners are. 

Book a discovery call or explore more success stories.