Vocational Training Services

Learner Success Story ✨

We love to celebrate our learners, and this month we'd like to introduce you to the truly amazing Sarah

Sarah has completed a Level Five and throughout her studies has had cancer. With repeated flare-ups, Sarah has still continued with her course and even managed to finish early.

Her tutor says that "Sarah was always cheerful and happy and had a very positive outlook on life. She was also very proactive with regards to her learning: developing her skills and knowledge of theories and standards of the care sector.

She disseminated information that she had learned to others in order for them to develop their theoretical knowledge of care practices. She is a lone parent with two children and has had admissions to hospital.

When undertaking her EPA assessment she had just come out of hospital that morning and had less than three hours sleep therefore the first time she failed it but the second time she passed it. Basically she was very proactive, very forwardly motivated, empathetic to others to cementing information and encouraging growth and development of her staff team . She empowers others."

This is truly remarkable and we're so proud of your work and resilience. Well done Sarah! 💙

GCSE Results Day is here!

Whether you got the results you were hoping for, or things didn't quite go to plan, remember that this is just one step in your journey 🔹

There are many routes to a successful and rewarding career, and an apprenticeship could be the perfect next step.

If you're passionate about making a difference, an Early Years apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to:

✔️ Earn while you learn
✔️ Gain a nationally recognised qualification
✔️ Build valuable workplace skills
✔️ Start a rewarding career supporting young children to learn and grow

Your GCSE results don't define your future...what matters is finding the right path for you.

If you're exploring your next steps and would like to find out more about Early Years apprenticeships, we'd love to hear from you 📧

Get in touch today to start your journey 🔸

What value can school leavers give to your setting?

We think they are invaluable - here's why...

🔹 Energy and enthusiasm
School leavers often arrive eager to learn, take on new challenges and make a positive impression. Their enthusiasm can be infectious and help create a positive team culture.

🔸 They bring fresh ideas
Having recently finished education, school leavers often have a fresh perspective, are comfortable with technology and enjoy trying new approaches that can benefit your setting.

🔹 You can shape their development
Hiring a school leaver allows you to nurture good practice from day one. As they learn your setting's values and ways of working, they grow into practitioners who reflect your culture and standards.

🔸 They can become long-term team members
Many school leavers are looking to build a career, not just find a job. By investing in their development through an apprenticeship, you're creating a loyal, skilled workforce for the future.

Partnerships mean brighter futures for the next generation of learners 💙

We believe the best apprenticeship experiences are built through strong partnerships with employers

We've recently been working closely with Louise Silk, Director at Second Steps and Shelley Ward, Manager of Second Steps Colchester (pictured), to strengthen the support available for Early Years apprentices.

Jane (pictured with Shelley), our Senior Tutor/ Senior IQA/ Early Years Curriculum Lead has been attending the Colchester setting for the last 4 years and has worked closely with Shelley to support apprentices. By gaining monthly updates on their progress they have together been able to give tailored support.

Together they've been developing:
✔ More comprehensive apprentice inductions
✔ Regular progress reviews
✔ Better alignment between workplace training and study plans
✔ Supporting managers to engage with apprentices' learning
✔ Developing practical skills alongside course knowledge

By working together, we're creating an environment where apprentices can thrive while helping employers develop confident, skilled practitioners 🌀

This is especially important right now as we face the NEET crisis, where over 1 million young people aged 16-24 are classed as Not in Education, Employment, or Training. We're doing everything we can in Essex to improve conditions and motivate and inspire learners ✨

We can't wait to see the positive impact this collaboration has on current and future apprentices.

If you'd like to do something similar in your setting, get in touch and let's have a conversation 📲

Partnerships mean brighter futures for the next generation of learners

We believe the best apprenticeship experiences are built through strong partnerships with employers

We've recently been working closely with Louise Silk, Director at Second Steps and Shelley Ward, Manager of Second Steps Colchester (pictured), to strengthen the support available for Early Years apprentices

Jane (pictured with Shelley), our Senior Tutor/ Senior IQA/ Early Years Curriculum Lead has been attending the Colchester setting for the last 4 years and has worked closely with Shelley to support apprentices. By gaining monthly updates on their progress they have together been able to give tailored support 🔹

Together they've been developing:

✔ More comprehensive apprentice inductions
✔ Regular progress reviews
✔ Better alignment between workplace training and study plans
✔ Supporting managers to engage with apprentices' learning
✔ Developing practical skills alongside course knowledge

By working together, we're creating an environment where apprentices can thrive while helping employers develop confident, skilled practitioners.

This is especially important right now as we face the NEET crisis, where over 1 million young people aged 16-24 are classed as Not in Education, Employment, or Training. We're doing everything we can in Essex to improve conditions and motivate and inspire learners

We can't wait to see the positive impact this collaboration has on current and future apprentices.

If you'd like to do something similar in your setting, get in touch and let's have a conversation 📧

Are you a nursery manager working over the summer holidays?

If your setting is quiet, now is the perfect time to get your admin done and be in a better position in September!

So what could you be doing while it's quiet?
📍 Advertise your vacancies. Do you know we can post your vacancies for free on our website?
📲 Book some of our Short Courses. We are creating a whole host of courses which are delivered online and can upskill your team in multiple areas
📧 Contact us to discuss new learners and how our approach could work better for your setting

You can find more information about what we do on our website, and our team are available to have a chat so you can start the new academic year with a bang

📞01702 353557
➡ [email protected]

✨ Tutor Spotlight: Jade Last ✨

At VTS, we're proud to have Tutors who have a wealth of experience, combined with a true passion for their work.

Meet Jade 👋

Jade has worked in the care sector since she was 17 years old.

Mainly working with the
elderly and individuals with learning disabilities, Jade has had a lot of experience and training to work with dementia, end of life care, medication and updating care plans.

After having a break to care for her grandad full-time, Jade returned to work and joined the VTS team as a care tutor.

Jade is a mum of two sons who she adores and enjoys spending her free time with her family on fun days out. She also enjoys cooking, watching reality TV and documentaries.

Jade’s favourite part of being a care tutor at VTS is seeing her learners gain more confidence throughout their course whilst observing them to care for and help their clients and service users.

Jade says: I've worked in care from a young age and I've always known it's where I wanted to be. When I first came across this role, I honestly didn't think it was something I could do, but after starting the role and completing my TAQA qualification, I realised just how much I love it. There's nothing better than seeing learners grow in confidence, achieve their qualifications, and knowing I’ve played a small part in their journey. I also love visiting different care settings, meeting new people, and learning how every service works in its own way. It never feels like just a job to me.

Thank you Jade for your dedication and passion 💙