15 years of training: Looking back over our journey

Written on 17th, November 2021

November 2021 marks 15 years since PTS started providing training and support for employers and learners. Here PTS’ founder and Managing Director, Jackie Denyer, looks back on the company’s journey and milestones so far.

2006 – 2010

It was back in 2006 when PTS was set up with the vision of providing quality training. We had three directors, no office, no staff, no money, no contracts. But we did have a passion.

On 10th November 2006, PTS was officially incorporated. We became a CACHE centre that delivered Early Years only, and by 2007 we had our first member of staff and our first contract with Surrey County Council for Early Years.

2008 brought our Train to Gain contract and we secured our first government-funded contract. After this, we started to grow our own and train assessors. Looking back it’s strange to think that it was all paper portfolios and face-to-face. 2008 was also the year we were starting to make a name for ourselves as being quality providers.

In 2009 we moved into our first office in the Sands and started to employ more trainers. The team achieved Matrix for the first time and we began delivering in other areas. This includes teaching assistants, health and social care, and playwork. However, in 2010 minimum contract values were phased in and we were too small to hold direct contracts – so subcontracting was the only solution.

2010 – 2017

Because of this, from 2010 to 2017 we worked with several primes delivering subcontracted provision and continued to grow over the next few years. In 2016 the apprenticeship reforms were announced, and our ROATP application was successful in 2017.

2017 was a busy year, as we were also successful in bidding for direct contracts for Non-Levy Apprenticeships and Adult Education Budget. In addition to this, we also introduced OneFile.

2018 – 2020

In 2018 we had our first FULL OFSTED Inspection (GOOD) and were continuing face-to-face delivery (no one had heard of COVID-19). Then, in 2020, COVID hit and we began remote delivery. The shift was seamless and it was brilliant to see learners able to learn from anywhere.

2021:

So, what has the last year brought? We tripled in size, with 70% of employees starting in the past year. We’ve won multiple bids, including AEB, ESF PLEYSS, Lifetime Skills Guarantee & Good work for All, and have plenty more to look forward to!

The last 15 years have been an emotional rollercoaster, but so very rewarding. To watch learners and our team members grow and develop their expertise has been brilliant. And I look forward to what the next 15 years bring.

 – Founder and Managing Director, Jackie Denyer