What TCHC Group does

TCHC Group Ltd is a UK private further-education and employability provider founded in 2004 and headquartered in Watford. The company delivers publicly funded vocational training, functional-skills qualifications, SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) provision, and adult employment programmes on behalf of central and local government. Its core products are the GAPS Study Programme (for learners aged 16–24, delivered through 10+ physical centres across England including Basildon, Dunstable, Ealing, Peterborough, Ipswich, Kent, Thurrock, and Watford), the Restart Scheme (delivered in Aylesbury Vale on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions), the Alternative Schools Programme, and a SEND High Needs Support service. Vocational course lines include Construction, Business & Retail, Creative Media, Health & Care, Childcare, Nail & Beauty, Sports Coaching, Painting & Decorating, and Functional Skills Maths/English. The company also operates a subsidiary, TCHC Opportunities for All CIC.

Name

TCHC Group

Legal name

TCHC Group Ltd

Website

https://tchc.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Education and Training Services

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Apprenticeship Training (611513), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Career & Technical Education (CTE) Centers & Programs (EDAJAAAJ)

Keywords

• Vocational skills training
• Government-funded education
• Employment support programmes
• SEND further education
• Youth training provision

Headquarters

HQ city

Watford

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices13 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Government Contract Delivery: TCHC generates revenue through delivering government-funded skills training and employment programmes contracted by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Department for Education, Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), and Local Authorities. The company delivers the Restart Scheme, GAPS Study Programmes, and various employability support programmes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

TCHC Group delivers government-funded education, skills training, and employment programmes through a network of 10+ GAPS Study Programme centres across England. Core offerings include vocational qualifications (Entry Level to Level 2) in construction, business, health & care, childcare, creative media, beauty, and sports, alongside Functional Skills Maths & English, work experience, and the Restart Scheme for unemployed Universal Credit claimants. The company specialises in supporting NEET young people aged 16-24 and learners with SEND/EHCPs through contracted relationships with DWP, Department for Education, ESFA, and Local Authorities.

Product overview

TCHC Group operates as a unified education and training platform offering multiple interconnected programmes. The core offering is the GAPS Study Programme for 16-24 year olds, supplemented by the Restart Scheme (government employment programme) and Alternative Schools Programme. These programmes deliver vocational courses including Business & Retail, Creative Media, Health & Care, Construction Skills, Childcare, Sports Coaching, Nail & Beauty, and functional skills (English and Maths). Additional courses include Future Skills, Progression, Skills for Independent Living, and Steps to Work. High Needs Support (SEND) services are embedded across all programmes, providing tailored education for learners with complex needs. All programmes share common elements including Maths & English Functional Skills, Life Skills, Work Skills, Work Experience, and Careers Information, Advice & Guidance (CEIAG).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• GAPS Study Programme Study programme for young people aged 16-24 delivering vocational qualifications, Functional Skills Maths & English, life skills, work skills, and work experience to help learners progress to employment or further education. Delivered across 10+ GAPS centres across England.
• Restart Scheme Government-funded employment support programme delivered on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions for individuals claiming Universal Credit who have been in the Intensive Work Search Regime for 6 months, helping them secure sustainable employment. Delivered in Aylesbury Vale.
• Alternative Schools Programme Alternative educational setting providing relaxed and informal learning for young people, supporting positive return to main school where appropriate, with non-regulated English, maths, life skills and vocational lessons. Designed for schools referring students who struggle in mainstream environments.
• High Needs SEND Support Specialised further education for young people aged 16-24 with special educational needs and disabilities, supporting learners with complex needs including sensory needs and Autistic Spectrum Disorder, fostering confidence, independence, and essential life skills.
• Construction Skills Course Vocational construction course covering practical skills in Construction Craft trades including bricklaying, block paving, concrete mixing, painting and wallpapering, and laying underground drainage. Delivered at Basildon Bowlers Croft and Peterborough Fengate centres.
• Health & Care Course Course for learners interested in caring for others, covering healthy lifestyle, communication, person-centred support, dementia awareness, mental health, and protection and safeguarding. Available at Entry Level 3, Level 1, and Level 2.
• Childcare Course Course for learners passionate about working with children or in early years settings, covering child development, safeguarding, communication, and practical early years skills.
• Creative Media Course Gateway Level 1 Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology covering digital photography, video production, audio recording, graphic design, and portfolio development.
• Business & Retail Course Vocational course covering retail business operations, customer experience enhancement, and employability skills. Qualifications available at Entry Level 3, Level 1, and Level 2 in Business Administration.
• Sports Coaching Course NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Sport covering anatomy, physiology, sports coaching, fitness, psychology, and sports event planning.
• Nail & Beauty Course Hair & Beauty Sector Level 1 course covering salon treatment areas, skin care, make-up, nail services, and reception duties.
• Painting & Decorating Course Programme teaching skills and knowledge required to apply and progress in painting and decorating trades. Certificate in Construction Operations Level 2 available.
• Customer Service (Barista Skills & Coffee Arts) Course Customer service course including barista training and coffee art elements, providing practical hospitality industry skills alongside employability development.
• Employability Skills Course Course designed to help learners gain employment, progress in chosen fields, or prepare for further study. Covers transferable skills, CV building, digital skills, and independent living techniques.
• Functional Skills Maths Maths course covering using numbers and the number system, common measures, shape and space, and handling data. Includes calculator and non-calculator exams.
• Functional Skills English English course covering reading, writing, and speaking and listening. Includes careers guidance, work experience access, and employment hub support.
• Future Skills (Personal and Social Skills) Course supporting personal development covering personal finance, communication, healthy living, community projects, personal safety, and dealing with change and resilience.
• Progression Course Qualification for learners developing confidence in essential life skills, classroom and practical learning balance, and preparation for future education and employment.
• Skills for Independent Living Course covering independent living skills including starting learning experiences, handling money, healthy eating, community involvement, and using social and leisure facilities.
• Steps to Work Programme Programme for individuals wanting to dive straight into work experience, combining centre-based learning with practical work placements and functional skills support.

Quantifiable outcome

• 4,500+ learners supported with self-employment
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• ArlaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEmployer partner providing work placement and employment opportunities for TCHC learners. Featured on employer partnerships page.
• OcadocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOcado Bicester has been working with TCHC Restart Scheme to successfully support local people into new careers. Participants have visited the Bicester Warehouse to experience operations and working conditions.
• Octavius InfrastructurecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOctavius Infrastructure works closely with Restart participants in Aylesbury Vale by delivering Employability Workshops. Sessions aim to empower participants, build confidence, and develop skills for employment in construction and other industries.
• MacintyreminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHealthcare provider employer partner providing work experience and employment opportunities for TCHC learners.
• Card FactoryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRetail employer partner providing work placement opportunities for TCHC learners.
• PoundlandminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRetail employer partner providing work placement opportunities for TCHC learners.
• Buckinghamshire CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal authority partner collaborating with TCHC on the Restart Scheme delivery in Aylesbury Vale and other employment programmes.
• Central Bedfordshire CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing support for vulnerable learners. Youth Careers Advisor described TCHC as 'a fantastic provision that supports some of our most vulnerable learners who would otherwise be NEET.'
• Suffolk County CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYoung Person Coach from Suffolk County Council described TCHC centres as providing 'a learning environment to students which is not only nurturing but support to improve their learning needs to their best ability.'
• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment department commissioning TCHC to deliver the Restart Scheme, providing tailored employment support for Universal Credit claimants.
• Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment agency providing funding for TCHC's GAPS Study Programmes and other education and skills training contracts.
• Department for EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment department working with TCHC on education provision and funding for young people's training programmes.
• Various Local AuthoritiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnerships with Essex County Council, Hertfordshire County Council, Peterborough City Council, Thurrock Council, Kent County Council, and other local authorities for commissioned training and SEND provision.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Ingeus: Direct UK Restart Scheme and welfare-to-work competitor. Ingeus delivers multi-Lot employment support programmes for DWP, matching TCHC's Restart Scheme offering in Aylesbury Vale and other government-commissioned employability contracts.
• Lifetime Training: Major UK apprenticeship and vocational training provider delivering Apprenticeship Levy-funded programmes. Comparable to TCHC's apprenticeship delivery and employer-funded vocational offering.
• Maximus UK: Direct Restart Scheme contractor and employment services competitor. Maximus holds multiple Restart Lots across UK regions and competes with TCHC for DWP-commissioned welfare-to-work prime contracts.
• Seetec: Direct competitor in UK skills training and employment programmes. Seetec delivers ESFA-funded Study Programmes and DWP employment contracts with a similar multi-region centre model to TCHC's GAPS network.
• Reed in Partnership: Direct UK competitor for Restart Scheme and employment programme contracts. Reed in Partnership operates prime welfare-to-work and skills programmes commissioned by DWP and Local Authorities, overlapping with TCHC's Restart and employability delivery.
• Rathbone Training (now part of Shaw Trust): UK vocational training and NEET programme provider delivering ESFA-funded traineeships and Study Programmes. Comparable to TCHC's GAPS offering for disengaged young people.
• Pertemps People Development Group: UK training and employability provider delivering government-funded skills, Restart, and NEET programmes. Overlaps directly with TCHC's GAPS Study Programme and Restart Scheme delivery model.

Broad incumbents

• Babcock Training (Babcock International): Large-scale UK training and skills provider within Babcock International's broader portfolio. Delivers apprenticeships and skills programmes across multiple sectors, competing with TCHC for ESFA and employer-funded contracts at national scale.
• G4S Care and Justice Services (now G4S Alternatives): Major UK employment and skills programme operator within G4S's broader public services portfolio. Competes with TCHC in welfare-to-work and employability contracts but as a non-specialist incumbent.
• Serco UK: Broad UK public services incumbent with employment, skills, and welfare-to-work programmes within a much larger portfolio. Competes with TCHC for DWP Restart contracts but at significantly greater scale and breadth.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/tchcgroupltd
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCSUf68cObQcPSDJolLFjX1A
• Facebookfacebook.com/tchcgroup
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/389061/admin/feed/posts
• Instagraminstagram.com/tchcgroup
• TikToktiktok.com/@tchc_grouplimited

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about TCHC Group