Prospects College is deemed to be one of the best in the east of England for young people training in both the engineering and the construction industry.

A team of eight inspectors spent a week in the college. They observed teaching, and talked to students and employers.

The inspection was undertaken using the new Common Inspection Framework, introduced in 2012, which demands much higher standards than the previous framework.

Inspectors commended the college for its high pass rates, excellent technical training and high numbers of young people who are helped to gain employment and apprenticeships with local and national employers.

It also praised learner support, curriculum planning and pastoral support.

Commenting on the inspection, college principal Neil Bates said: ‘We are very pleased to have our work endorsed by Ofsted in this way and it is a tribute to the staff, students and employers who all help to make the college successful.

“We aim to be rated outstanding in every aspect of our work, so there is no complacency here and more work to be done.”

Mr Bates said that an apprenticeship linked to a study course at Prospects was now seen as an attractive alternative to university, especially for many young people aiming for a career in the engineering or construction industries.

He said: “These are skills which are critical to the future of the British economy.”

He added: “Demand is very high, and is likely to become even higher following the Ofsted report. We now have more than 700 young people on fully employed apprenticeships and many of these young people are following this route as a real alternative to university.’ Prospects offers a wide range of vocational courses from entry level through to higher education and beyond. These courses are delivered in five state-of-the art facilities which Ofsted describe as “excellent learning environments”.

The college has two centres in Southend, including an Ofsted rated outstanding facility at Southend Airport, a skills centre on Canvey and two centres in Basildon serving the wider Thames Gateway area.