Honda (UK)'s apprenticeship programme, delivered by its bespoke training facility, the Honda Institute, has been given an 'outstanding' grading from Ofsted - the Office for Standards in Education.
Inspectors carried out the report in January 2012 using a variety of methods such as questionnaires, observing learning sessions and group and individual interviews.

A key paragraph from the reports states that "The overall effectiveness of Honda's apprenticeship programme is outstanding and the programme provides exceptional value for money. Learners enjoy their training and develop excellent occupational skills, making a highly valued contribution to their workplace"

The Honda apprenticeship programme takes place over two years for Lawn and Garden and Marine; and three years for Car, Parts Operations and Motorcycle/ATV. During this time apprentices are employed by their local Honda dealership and attend block training at the Honda Institute working on products within one of the five divisions. Qualified apprentice graduates achieve an Intermediate Apprenticeship for Lawn & Garden and Marine; and an Advanced Apprenticeship for Cars, Parts Operations and Motorcycle/ATV.

Paul Taylor, technical training operations manager at the Honda Institute comments: “The Honda Institute is the home of Honda’s people development and we work hard to support skill and knowledge in our car, motorcycle and power equipment networks. A good understanding of both the economics of our industry and people’s desire to learn and improve is fundamental to our operation. Having the right skill and knowledge to look after our products is key to maintaining performance and reliability. Our customers expect highly trained and skilled technicians in our network of dealerships and that's exactly what we deliver through apprenticeships.

“The grading from Ofsted is a real testament to the professionalism and passion of our people and underpins everything we do. Graduates from the Honda Apprentice Programme make up 20% of Honda (UK)’s car and motorcycle technicians, a grading of ‘outstanding’ reinforces that we are getting it right.”