Vocational Training Services

What Vocational Training Services does

Vocational Training Services Care Sector Ltd (VTS) is an Essex-based vocational training provider founded in 1994 that delivers apprenticeship programmes and stand-alone qualifications for the UK care sector. The company serves individual learners and employers — primarily care homes, nurseries, pre-schools, schools, and NHS/private hospitals — across Essex, Suffolk, London, and Norfolk, offering government-funded apprenticeships at Levels 2–5 in Adult Social Care, Early Years/Childcare, Healthcare Support, and Teaching Assistant pathways, alongside privately funded diplomas and 19+ Advanced Learner Loans.

VTS operates a hybrid delivery model: tutors visit learners at their workplaces for portfolio-based assessment and off-the-job training, supplemented by in-person functional skills workshops at offices in Westcliff-on-Sea (headquarters) and Colchester, plus remote webinars via Microsoft Teams. Technology infrastructure is built on third-party SaaS — Learning Assistant for online learner management and off-the-job-hours tracking, BKSB for diagnostic maths/English assessment, and GoCardless for direct-debit collections — with no proprietary AI/ML systems disclosed. Recent additions include an Enrichment Module covering careers, personal safety and employability, Mental Health Support Services with Able Futures referral, and a paid short-course webinar shop.

Revenue is generated primarily through government apprenticeship funding (levy and non-levy routes, with non-levy employers contributing 5%), 19+ Advanced Learner Loans administered via the Student Loan Company, Essex County Council's Apprenticeship Support Fund (up to £2,000 per apprentice for eligible SMEs), and direct private payments from individuals and employers. Pricing per apprenticeship follows government-set funding bands of £3,000–£9,000 depending on Level, while stand-alone diplomas range £1,800–£3,000 privately. The company is privately held with no disclosed external investment and is led by Managing Director Emma Henigan.

Name

Vocational Training Services

Legal name

Vocational Training Services Care Sector Ltd

Website

https://vts.ac.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Vocational Training Services is an Essex-based UK training provider delivering Levels 2–5 apprenticeships and stand-alone qualifications in Adult Social Care, Childcare, Healthcare Support, and Teaching Assistant pathways for employers and learners across Essex, Suffolk, London, and Norfolk.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Training and Apprenticeships

NAICS

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

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Apprenticeships, Internships & Work-Based Learning Programs (BPACANAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Work-Based Learning Programs (Internships, Apprenticeships, Community-Based Instruction) (EDAKANAF), Nursing Assistant (CNA) & Patient Care Technician (PCT) (EDAOAJAB)

Keywords

• Apprenticeship training
• Adult social care training
• Early years education
• Vocational qualifications
• Work-based learning

Headquarters

HQ city

Clacton-on-sea

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Government-funded Apprenticeships: VTS receives government funding through the apprenticeship funding system. For levy-paying employers, funds are drawn from the employer's levy pot. For non-levy employers, the government covers 95% of costs with the employer contributing 5%. Additional funding is provided for maths/English provision, learning support, and disadvantage uplift.
2. 19+ Advanced Learner Loans: Learners aged 19+ can apply for Advanced Learner Loans from the Student Loan Company to fund Level 3 and above qualifications. The loan is paid directly to VTS by the Student Loan Company.
3. Private Funding: Individuals or employers can privately fund qualifications. Payment options include paying the invoice in full within 30 days or by direct debit over the first 10 months using the go cardless platform.
4. Essex County Council Funding: VTS participates in the Essex 200 Apprenticeship Support Fund, offering up to £2000 per apprentice for eligible SMEs located in Essex postcodes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

VTS delivers government-funded apprenticeships (Levels 2-5) and stand-alone vocational diplomas in Adult Social Care, Childcare/Early Years, Healthcare Support and Teaching Assistant, primarily through work-based training delivered by tutors visiting learners at employer workplaces across Essex, Suffolk, London and Norfolk. The company also provides stand-alone qualifications (privately funded or via 19+ Advanced Learner Loans) and supplementary services including Functional Skills Maths/English, Mental Health Support and short-course wellbeing webinars.

Product overview

Vocational Training Services (VTS) is a training provider specializing in apprenticeship programmes and stand-alone qualifications for the care sector. The core offerings include apprenticeship programmes at Levels 2-5 across four main areas: Adult Social Care (Adult Care Worker, Lead Adult Care Worker, Leader in Adult Care), Childcare/Early Years (Early Years Practitioner, Early Years Educator, Early Years Lead Practitioner), Healthcare Support, and Teaching Assistant. Supporting services include Functional Skills (Maths and English) delivered via remote webinars and the BKSB assessment platform, Off The Job Training as a statutory requirement, and Mental Health Support Services. Stand-alone diploma qualifications (Levels 2-5) are available for those not requiring apprenticeships, offered alongside short course webinars for professional development.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Adult Care Worker Level 2 Apprenticeship Government-funded Level 2 apprenticeship standard for adult social care, including Level 2 Diploma in Adult Care, The Care Certificate, and Maths/English Functional Skills where applicable. Funding band value £4,500; typical duration 9 months. Designed for care workers new to the industry.
• Lead Adult Care Worker Level 3 Apprenticeship Government-funded Level 3 apprenticeship standard for adult social care, including Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care and End Point Assessment. Funding band value £4,000; typical duration 18 months. Suitable for senior care workers or progression from Level 2.
• Leader in Adult Care Level 5 Apprenticeship Government-funded Level 5 apprenticeship standard for adult social care leadership, including Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Adult Care. Funding band value £7,000. Designed for persons managing residential or community-based services with leadership responsibilities.
• Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Apprenticeship Government-funded Level 2 apprenticeship standard for childcare workers new to the industry working under supervision, including the Early Years Practitioner qualification. Funding band value £5,000; typical duration 12 months.
• Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprenticeship Government-funded Level 3 apprenticeship standard for progression from Level 2, suitable for room leader, assistant manager or childminder roles. Includes Paediatric First Aid Certificate, Maths and English functional skills and End Point Assessment.
• Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5 Apprenticeship Government-funded Level 5 apprenticeship standard for progression from Level 3, suitable for managerial positions such as Room Leaders, Deputy Managers and Senior Practitioners. Funding band value £9,000; typical duration 20 months.
• Senior Health Care Support Worker Level 3 Apprenticeship Government-funded Level 3 apprenticeship for senior healthcare workers in NHS and private healthcare settings, with adult nursing support pathway or theatre pathway options. Includes Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support and End Point Assessment.
• Teaching Assistant Level 3 Apprenticeship Government-funded Level 3 apprenticeship for teaching assistants supporting class teachers to enhance pupils' learning. Includes Maths and English at GCSE minimum grade C or functional skills level 2 and End Point Assessment. Typical duration 15 months.
• Level 2 Diploma in Adult Care (Stand-Alone Qualification) Stand-alone City & Guilds qualification for care workers new to industry working mainly under supervision. Nine mandatory units plus optional units. Private funding £1,800; duration 9-12 months. Also funded via 19+ Advanced Learner Loan.
• Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (Stand-Alone Qualification) Stand-alone City & Guilds qualification for senior care workers as progression from Level 2. Private funding £2,400; 19+ Advanced Learner Loan amount £2,882; duration 12-15 months.
• Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care (Stand-Alone Qualification) Stand-alone City & Guilds qualification stepping stone between Level 3 and Level 5. Twelve mandatory units plus optional units. Private funding £3,000; duration 15-18 months.
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Adult Care (Stand-Alone Qualification) Stand-alone City & Guilds qualification for people whose role has a large element of leadership in community or residential-based services. Eleven mandatory units plus seven optional units. Duration 18 months.
• Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (Stand-Alone Qualification) Stand-alone City & Guilds qualification for childcare workers new to the industry working mainly under supervision. Nine mandatory units; learners can progress to Level 3 upon completion.
• Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (Stand-Alone Qualification) Stand-alone City & Guilds qualification for senior healthcare workers, offering adult nursing support pathway or theatre pathway. Fifteen mandatory units plus optional units.
• Functional Skills Maths and English Functional skills provision at Entry-level 1-3, Level 1 (GCSE grades 1-3) and Level 2 (GCSE grade 4/C equivalent), delivered remotely via Teams webinars and supported by the BKSB assessment platform. Provides an alternative to GCSEs for learners who have not achieved them.
• Wellbeing Webinars (Short Course) Online webinar short courses focused on staff wellbeing, sold through the VTS online shop at vts.ac.uk/shop.
• Caring for Babies Webinar Courses (Short Course) Online webinar short courses focused on caring for babies in early years settings, sold through the VTS online shop at vts.ac.uk/shop.
• Mental Health Support Services Mental health support service for apprentices delivered by a dedicated Mental Health Support Officer, offering resources, tools, and referrals to Able Futures' nine-month mental health coaching programme.

Quantifiable outcome

• Apprenticeship achievement rates above national averages
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Essex County CouncilcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 July 2025Essex County Council offers the Essex 200 Apprenticeship Support Fund providing up to £2,000 per apprentice for SMEs hiring apprentices. VTS participates in this scheme, helping eligible employers access funding for apprenticeship training.
• Department for Education (DfE)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerVTS receives government apprenticeship funding through the DfE. The DfE sets funding band values, provides additional funding for maths/English and learning support, and administers the apprenticeship service for levy and non-levy employers.
• City & GuildscoreTechnology or IntegrationCity & Guilds is the awarding body for VTS qualifications. Diplomas and certificates are accredited by City & Guilds and learners achieve qualifications upon meeting requirements set by the awarding body.
• HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerLevy-paying employers pay apprenticeship levy tax to HMRC, which accumulates in their levy pot for use in paying for apprenticeship training managed through the government apprenticeship service.
• Amazing ApprenticeshipsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner organization promoting apprenticeships. VTS is listed as an Amazing Apprenticeships member and participates in their initiatives including National Apprenticeship Week.
• Learning AssistantcoreTechnology or IntegrationLearning Assistant is the online learner management platform used by VTS for tracking apprentice progress, recording off-the-job training hours, and managing learning activities.
• BKSBcoreTechnology or IntegrationBKSB is the assessment platform used by VTS for initial and diagnostic maths and English assessments. All learners receive personal BKSB accounts for tracking their functional skills progress.
• Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP)minorOthersVTS is an AELP member, indicating membership in the professional body representing training providers in the employment and learning sector.
• Able FuturesminorOthersAble Futures delivers the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service. VTS refers learners to this service which provides 9 months of confidential mental health support from qualified professionals.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Multiverse: Larger UK apprenticeship and professional training platform with broader sector coverage including digital and business apprenticeships. Competes for the same employer apprenticeship budgets but with significantly greater scale and tech-driven delivery.
• Corndel: UK professional apprenticeships provider focused on leadership, management and data apprenticeships. Overlaps with VTS's Level 5 Leadership in Adult Care offering but operates at a larger, more enterprise-oriented scale.

Direct peers

• Paragon Skills: UK apprenticeship provider specialising in care, childcare and healthcare pathways at Levels 2–5. Direct competitor in the same vertical and funding model as VTS.
• HIT Training: UK apprenticeship and vocational training provider with coverage across care, hospitality and service sectors. Comparable in apprenticeship product structure and government-funded delivery model.
• Lifetime (formerly Lifetime Training): One of the largest UK independent apprenticeship providers with a similar workplace-delivery model across care, early years and health apprenticeships. Highly comparable in target customers, funding model and qualification levels (L2–L5).
• Remit Training: UK apprenticeship training provider operating in care, early years and healthcare sectors with multi-region delivery. Closely comparable model using employer workplace visits and DfE apprenticeship funding.
• Aspiration Training: UK-based apprenticeship training provider delivering care, early years and healthcare qualifications through employer workplace delivery. Closely comparable customer base and qualification levels.
• Babington Education: UK apprenticeship provider offering care-sector apprenticeships and stand-alone qualifications with employer-focused delivery. Overlapping customer segments and apprenticeship product mix.

Others

• Skills for Care: UK sector skills body for adult social care that influences apprenticeship standards, funding and policy in VTS's core market. Ecosystem participant shaping the demand environment for VTS's care apprenticeships.
• City & Guilds: Major UK awarding body that accredits VTS's qualifications and sets standards for the care-sector apprenticeships VTS delivers. Adjacent ecosystem participant rather than direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/vtslearning
• Facebookfacebook.com/vtstrain
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/vocational-training-services
• Instagraminstagram.com/vocational_training_services

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

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 Vocational Training Services