Wales' education and training inspectorate Estyn has delivered a major boost to Acorn, one of the largest work based learning providers in Wales.

The company has been highly praised by Estyn for its delivery of funded vocational training programmes throughout Wales, as part of its work-based learning contract with the Department for Children, Education Lifelong Learning and Skills.

Acorn has been commended for delivering apprenticeship and skills diploma success rates of between 82 per cent and 100 per cent in business, administration and law to staff across a string of leading national/regional companies and SME businesses.

In its annual report on the quality of training provided by Acorn - a key document for the company and its training staff - Estyn praises the business and its staff and singles out directors for their "strategic understanding of national initiatives as they affect work-based learning."

The 13-strong team of Estyn advisers concluded that Acorn "offers well-structured, flexible training programmes that meet the needs of learners and their employers".

The report added: "The provider's systems for collecting, analysing and using data on learner performance are outstanding.

"The provider has well-qualified and experienced staff and a strong commitment to their professional development. All learners benefit from very good quality learning resources.

"The company directors have an outstanding strategic understanding of national initiatives as they affect work-placed learning. Senior managers are dynamic and very well motivated and recognise the importance of staff development. Acorn provides good value for money."

The Estyn report was welcomed by Barbara Poole, director of operations for Acorn Learning, who said the findings recognised the hard work, commitment and effort put in by its team across a number of client firms in Wales, as well as the progress made in supporting the 14-19 programmes that have been introduced for school pupils since September 2007.

"The grades awarded have been achieved by creating a culture of continuous improvement in all aspects of our business. We will continue to promote this culture to build on the strengths identified."