CHD Living Case Study: Our ACE Award Winners

A Supportive and Trusted Partnership

Becs Page, Manager at CHD Living, has worked closely with the PTS team and values the strong working relationship they have built.

“We have worked with the team at Professional Training Solutions for some time now and have always found the team to be flexible, enthusiastic and very easy to work with.”

From recruitment to completion, PTS provides consistent, hands-on support tailored to the realities of care work.

“Their ongoing communication, regular reviews, and willingness to adapt training to the realities of a care environment have made managing apprentices really straightforward and effective.”

This collaborative approach ensures managers feel supported, apprentices remain engaged, and programmes run smoothly.

“We’ve always felt supported, and the feedback from the apprentices about the tutors has always been really very positive.”

Creating Real Opportunities Through Apprenticeships

With guidance from PTS, apprenticeships have become a vital part of CHD Living’s workforce strategy.

“Apprenticeships have brought numerous benefits to CHD Living as an organisation.”

Staff are able to grow professionally while continuing to meet the demands of their roles.

“They provide an effective way for staff to grow and advance in their roles while still maintaining their work responsibilities.”

Through structured training and workplace learning, apprentices develop:

• Leadership and management skills

• Team-building and communication

• Functional and technical competence

• Confidence and professionalism

• Transferable career skills

These programmes enable employees to progress within CHD Living and beyond, strengthening both performance and retention.

Supporting Apprentices in a Care Environment

Supporting apprentices in care requires dedication, patience, and strong mentoring — something CHD and PTS prioritise together.

“Supporting apprentices is very rewarding. It requires time, patience, and strong mentoring.”

With regular contact from PTS tutors and strong internal support, apprentices quickly develop essential professional values.

“In a care setting, apprentices quickly learn the importance of empathy, responsibility, and teamwork.”

This combined approach helps apprentices grow into confident, capable practitioners and future leaders.

Championing Young People in Care

CHD Living stands out within the sector for its willingness to invest in younger learners — an area many providers are hesitant to explore.

“We are motivated by younger learners’ attitude, willingness to learn, and genuine interest in care rather than their age.”

This commitment was highlighted when CHD became the first care organisation supported by PTS to take on a learner under 18.

PTS tutor Chan explained:

“CHD are the first care company we’ve worked with who have been willing to take on a learner under 18… Many providers avoid this due to the additional legal and safeguarding responsibilities.”

Despite these challenges, CHD recognised the potential of 17-year-old Bethany Baker and welcomed her onto the Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker apprenticeship.

“CHD have shown real commitment to developing future talent by recognising Bethany’s potential and welcoming her onto the programme, with the right training and support in place.”

Care apprenticeships are completed within employed roles, making this decision particularly meaningful.

“They’ve chosen to invest in Bethany when many companies wouldn’t.”

With support from PTS, Bethany has been able to develop safely, confidently, and successfully within the workplace.

Recognition and Leadership Excellence

In recognition of their outstanding commitment, CHD Living was nominated for an apprenticeship award by Chan.

Following the nomination, Managing Director Jackie Denyer visited CHD to celebrate their achievements and dedication to staff development.

During the visit, particular recognition was given to Becs Page for her leadership, mentoring, and commitment to supporting apprentices.

Becs’ hands-on approach, strong communication, and genuine care for learners have been central to building a positive learning culture where staff feel valued and supported.

A Strong Commitment to Long-Term Development

CHD Living’s investment in apprenticeships extends across multiple levels and career stages.

They currently support:

• 5 learners on Level 5 Leader in Adult Care

• 1 learner on Level 4 Lead Practitioner in Adult Care

• 10 potential future applicants identified

This structured approach reflects a long-term commitment to leadership development, succession planning, and service quality.

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Encouraging Other Employers

During National Apprenticeship Week, Becs encourages other employers to consider the wider value of apprenticeships.

“I would strongly encourage employers to look beyond age or previous experience and focus on attitude, values, and potential.”

She believes apprenticeships offer young people a strong alternative to university while helping organisations build committed teams.

“Apprenticeships give young people a real opportunity to develop practical skills, confidence, and a strong work ethic.”

For employers, they provide a sustainable and effective workforce development solution.

“In care especially, introducing young people early helps break down misconceptions and shows that it can be a rewarding, long-term career.”

Why Employers Choose Professional Training Solutions

CHD Living’s experience highlights the value of working with Professional Training Solutions as an apprenticeship provider.

Through this partnership, PTS has delivered:

✔ Expert sector knowledge
✔ Flexible training delivery
✔ Dedicated employer support
✔ Regular reviews and mentoring
✔ High learner satisfaction
✔ Strong progression outcomes

By removing barriers and providing personalised guidance, PTS enables employers to confidently deliver high-quality apprenticeships.

Summary: A Partnership Built on Trust and Impact

The partnership between CHD Living and Professional Training Solutions demonstrates what can be achieved when employers and training providers work closely together.

Through shared values, open communication, and a commitment to people development, CHD has:

• Created meaningful career pathways

• Supported young people into care

• Developed future leaders

• Strengthened workforce stability

• Enhanced service quality

Professional Training Solutions is proud to work alongside CHD Living and leaders like Becs Page, whose dedication continues to shape confident, skilled, and compassionate professionals.

Together, they show how apprenticeships can transform lives, strengthen organisations, and secure the future of the care sector.