PTS, based in Farnham, has delivered education and workforce development since 2006, with Adult Health and Social Care a core part of its delivery since 2008/09. It supports care employers to develop new recruits, upskill existing staff and support progression from entry-level care through to leadership and management.
PTS is Ofsted graded Good and Matrix accredited, and its Adult Social Care training is quality assured through the Skills for Care Quality Assured Care Learning Service (QACLS).
Free Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care
Through Free Courses for Jobs (FCFJ), eligible Surrey residents can access fully funded Level 3 learning.
The Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care may be particularly valuable for developing experienced care staff who need a recognised Level 3 qualification.
- Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care
- Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism – Tier 2 is offered as part of the Level 3 Diploma programme
- Learners can be employed or volunteering in an appropriate care setting so occupational competence can be assessed
- Employed learners must earn below £26,800 per year
- Unemployed learners and eligible volunteers can also qualify
- Learners must be aged 19+, live in Surrey, meet the applicable three-year residency requirement and not be on another government-funded programme that would make them ineligible
- All FCFJ learners must complete by 30 June 2027 and must be committed to completing independent work in their own time.
Free Adult Skills Fund training
PTS also offers Adult Skills Fund provision for eligible Surrey residents, including:
- Level 2 Diploma in Adult Care, including Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training – Tier 1
- Health & Social Care short courses for targeted workforce development
- Functional Skills English and Maths at Levels 1 and 2 for eligible Surrey residents without the relevant GCSE grade 4/C or equivalent.
Eligibility
All Surrey Adult Skills Fund learners must complete their programme by 30 June 2027, so longer qualifications need to start promptly.
In general, learners must:
- Be aged 19 or over
- Live in Surrey – eligibility is based on the learner’s home address, not the location of the employer or care home
- Meet the applicable three-year residency requirement and other relevant funding residency rules
- Be employed and earning below £26,800 per year, or, for Functional Skills, not have a GCSE grade 9–4/C or equivalent
- Meet any course-specific prior-qualification requirements
- Not be participating in another government-funded training programme where this would make them ineligible
Unemployed learners and eligible volunteers can also qualify, subject to the relevant course rules.
Learner commitment
Funded places should be used for learners who are genuinely engaged and committed to completing their programme.
Learners are expected to:
- Attend scheduled teaching, reviews, assessments and workplace activity consistently
- Remain engaged with their tutor and respond promptly when evidence or actions are required
- Complete assignments, portfolio work, revision and other directed learning in their own time
- Meet agreed deadlines and maintain sufficient progress to complete by 30 June 2027.
Functional Skills
English and Maths Levels 1 and 2 are available for eligible Surrey residents.
PTS typically delivers weekly live online workshops over 10–12 weeks, supported by independent study, revision and examination preparation.
Surrey Adult Care Skills Bootcamp
The Surrey Adult Care Skills Bootcamp is an intensive, employment-focused programme designed to help people move into Adult Care and connect care employers with potential recruits.
The six-week programme includes:
- Approximately 15 hours per week
- 79 Guided Learning Hours
- Person-centred practice
- Emergency First Aid
- Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training – Tier 1
- CV writing, applications, interview preparation and employability coaching
- Employer input, links to live vacancies and guaranteed interview opportunities.
How care employers can support the Bootcamp
Employers can:
- Tell PTS about current and forthcoming vacancies
- Offer interview opportunities to suitable Bootcamp completers
- Take part in employer talks, recruitment sessions or mock interviews.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships can be used to recruit new staff or develop eligible existing employees. PTS supports the employer and apprentice throughout the programme.
Available apprenticeships include:
- Level 2 Adult Care Worker
- Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker
- Level 5 Leader in Adult Care
- Functional Skills support where required and eligible
- PTS apprenticeship recruitment and candidate referral support
- Support for Deaf Learners with the Royal Association for Deaf People
- Support for learners with additional learning needs.
Employer apprenticeship incentives for younger recruits
PTS has provided the following information on incentives for younger recruits:
- From 1 October 2026, eligible non-levy paying employers may receive a £2,000 hiring payment when recruiting a new apprentice aged 16–24, subject to the funding rules.
- The Youth Jobs Grant can provide £3,000 for an eligible 18–24-year-old who has been unemployed and claiming Universal Credit for six months or more, subject to scheme conditions.
- Training is free for 16–24-year-olds, meaning there is no employer contribution of 5%.
How can Surrey care employers get involved?
PTS suggests employers:
- Promote the funded Level 2 and Level 3 Adult Care Diplomas to eligible existing staff and volunteers
- Identify staff who could benefit from funded short courses or Functional Skills
- Tell PTS about current and forthcoming care vacancies that would be suitable for apprenticeships
- Look at upskilling existing staff through Adult Care Apprenticeships – levy transfers are available from Surrey County Council
- Consider recruiting a new apprentice
- Offer interview opportunities to suitable Adult Care Skills Bootcamp completers
- Come to a Skills Bootcamp course and give a presentation.
A simple employer pathway
1. Identify the need
Existing staff development, Functional Skills, a new recruit or a vacancy.
2. Refer to PTS
Send the learner, staff member, volunteer or vacancy details to PTS.
3. PTS completes the eligibility and funding check
4. Enrol, recruit or interview
PTS supports the next step.
For care groups operating across more than one region
PTS can provide a joined-up approach for care groups with homes or services across several areas. Adult Skills funding is normally determined by the learner’s home address and the relevant local rules.
PTS currently highlights provision in:
- Surrey: Adult Skills Fund, Free Courses for Jobs / Level 3 provision, Functional Skills and Surrey Skills Bootcamps, alongside apprenticeships
- Buckinghamshire: Adult Skills Fund provision for eligible residents, including vocational training, alongside apprenticeships
- London: London Talent Pathways supports funded training across Health & Social Care and other priority sectors, alongside apprenticeships
- West Sussex: Adult Skills Fund provision for eligible residents, including Level 1 and Level 2 funded learning and BSL, alongside apprenticeships. Functional Skills are not included within the West Sussex ASF offer.
Find out more
For eligibility, funding checks, enrolment, recruitment opportunities or further information, please contact Professional Training Solutions directly:
Professional Training Solutions
01252 712945
enquiries@protrain-solutions.co.uk
Professional Training Solutions website
This information has been provided to Surrey Care Association by Professional Training Solutions. Funding availability and eligibility are subject to the relevant programme and funding rules. Please contact PTS directly to confirm eligibility and current availability.