When Service Providers Cross the Line – Who knew being ‘held hostage’ remotely was a thing?!


In the fast-paced digital age, businesses rely heavily on technology and infrastructure providers to keep their operations running smoothly. But what happens when the very partner you depend on starts holding your business hostage? That’s exactly what our company has been dealing with, and it’s a story we believe needs to be shared.

At Varsity Training we’ve always strived for transparency, fairness, and reliability in our partnerships. We thought we had found the perfect server provider to support our online presence and have now been with them for a number of years. Unfortunately, recent events have shown us a darker side of this relationship.

For several weeks now, we have been entangled in a frustrating situation with this server provider. The story began when they suddenly hugely hiked up their service fees, leaving us with little choice but to comply with their demands. When we questioned this steep increase, they were unresponsive, uncooperative, and, frankly, unprofessional.

The situation escalated when we decided to explore alternative hosting options. To our shock, our server provider refused to release our data, effectively holding our business hostage.  We were left with a sense of vulnerability and frustration, struggling to maintain our online presence and provide services to our loyal customers.

We understand that business relationships can have their challenges, but holding a company’s data hostage is simply unacceptable. In this digital age, data is the lifeblood of our operations, and no one should have the power to hold it ransom.

We want to use our experience to raise awareness about the importance of choosing the right service providers for your business and to highlight the necessity of clear and fair contractual agreements. Trust and respect are fundamental in any partnership, and now we know – this is something we will consider right at the beginning of any contract.

We have worked tirelessly to resolve this unfortunate situation, and now have a new, trusted provider and have emerged more resilient and a lot more knowledgeable in this area!

#StandForFairness #BusinessPartnerships #TransparencyMatters

Elevate Your Leadership Skills with Level 5 Operations/Department Manager Apprenticeships!


Are you an aspiring leader/manager supervising a team or involved in the operations of a company? Varsity Training is thrilled to introduce our Level 5 Operations/Department Manager Apprenticeships, tailored to supercharge your career.

Unlock Your Potential with Our Level 5 Apprenticeships:

Career Progression: The path to becoming an exceptional leader starts here. Our Level 5 Operations/Department Manager Apprenticeships provide you with the knowledge, expertise, and leadership skills needed to drive your career forward. Whether you aim to climb the corporate ladder, enhance your management capabilities, or steer your business to success, this programme empowers you to achieve your goals – also providing you with a Level 5 Nationally recognised qualification!

Nationally recognised qualification/Salary Increase: Invest in yourself and reap the rewards. As an adult learner, you can expect not only personal and professional growth but also the potential for a promotion/salary increase. With our apprenticeships, you’re making a sound investment in your future, and this also gives you the qualification needed to apply for your ideal job role.

Enhanced Productivity: Gain the tools to boost productivity within your team or organisation. A well-rounded leader can optimize performance, streamline operations, and navigate complex challenges. Our apprenticeship equips you with the expertise to make a real impact on your company’s bottom line.

Staff Retention: Effective leadership is a cornerstone of staff retention. With the skills and knowledge acquired through our programme, you can create a positive, motivating work environment, increasing employee loyalty and reducing turnover.

95% Apprenticeship Funding: We understand that accessibility to quality education is essential. That’s why our Level 5 Operations/Department Manager Apprenticeships come with 95% apprenticeship funding, making it easier for you to invest in your future.

Varsity Training is dedicated to helping you become the leader you aspire to be. No matter your industry, company size, or career stage, our apprenticeships offer the support and expertise you need to shine.

Ready to take your career to new heights? Reach out today to discover how our Level 5 Operations/Department Manager Apprenticeships can accelerate your journey towards leadership excellence, and give us a call.

#LeadershipDevelopment #CareerGrowth #Apprenticeships #OperationsManager #VarsityTraining #InvestInYourFuture

Elevate Your Career with Level 3 Team Leader/supervisor Apprenticeships!


Have you been building your experience and skills in your current role and looking to take your career to the next level? Varsity Training is excited to introduce our Level 3 Team Leader/supervisor Management Apprenticeships, designed to empower you on your journey to career excellence.

Why Choose our Level 3 Team Leader Management Apprenticeships?

✅ 95% Apprenticeship Funding: We understand the financial challenges adult learners face. That’s why our programme comes with 95% apprenticeship funding. This incredible opportunity makes it more accessible than ever to invest in your professional development.

✅ Career Advancement: The key to career success is continuous learning and development. Our Level 3 Team Leader Management Apprenticeships provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to become an effective team leader. Whether you’re aiming for a promotion or looking to enhance your leadership abilities, this programme is your stepping stone.

✅ Practical Learning: At Varsity Training, we believe in learning by doing. Our apprenticeships offer a hands-on approach, ensuring that you gain real-world experience in leadership and management. This means you can immediately apply what you learn to your current role or a future one.

✅ Tailored Support: We understand that returning to education can be challenging, especially as an adult learner. Our team is here to provide the support and guidance you need to succeed. We’ll be with you every step of the way on your educational journey.

Join us and make the most of this opportunity for personal and professional growth. Let’s transform your career trajectory together!

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to learn more about our Level 3 Team Leader Management Apprenticeships and how to get started. Your brighter future awaits!

#Apprenticeships #CareerDevelopment #AdultLearners #Level3Management #VarsityTraining #InvestInYourFuture

Unlock Your Healthcare Career Potential with Varsity Training’s Level 5 Diploma for Assistant Practitioners


At Varsity Training, we understand that your healthcare journey is unique. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our stand-alone Level 5 Diploma for Assistant Practitioners in Healthcare. This diploma is your key to career growth and personal development.

Varsity Training has a strong track record in delivering this programme, and we’re committed to your success.

We can still register learners onto the City & Guilds 120 credit HE version until the end of December 2023 – so take that step now!

Why Choose Our Stand-Alone Diploma?

Faster Progression – We’ve designed an 18-month programme that can be achieved in as little as 372 days. Your path to career advancement has never been quicker!

Cost -Effective – Our stand-alone diploma comes at half of the cost of the apprenticeship pathway cost – £7000, which can be conveniently spread out over the programme’s duration, making quality education more accessible.

No End Point Assessment – Say goodbye to the added stress and expense of End Point Assessments. Our programme focuses on your learning and development without additional assessments at the end.

Online Workshops – Enjoy the convenience of monthly online blended workshops that fit your schedule. Learn and grow from the comfort of your own space.

Dedicated Assessor – With Varsity Training, you’re not just a number. You’ll have a dedicated assessor to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your success.

No Functional Skills Requirements – Our programme eliminates the need for Functional Skills requirements, streamlining your journey to achieving your diploma in Healthcare without worrying about a maths qualification!

If you’re interested in exploring this opportunity or have questions about this excellent qualification, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We have fab feedback, 100% success rate and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

#HealthcareEducation #CareerAdvancement #HealthcareDiploma #VarsityTraining #InvestInYourFuture

A Shoutout to Neil and CPS Ltd!


At Varsity Training,  we believe in the power of collaboration and support. Today, we want to extend our thanks to Neil at CPS, Computer Problems Solutions Ltd., for being our IT lifeline! ️

With Neil’s personalised 1-on-1 support, we’ve found a reliable resource to troubleshoot and resolve our IT hiccups – including developing and improving our IT even further!

#youdon’tknowwhatyoudon’tknow!

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, our connections with partners like CPS Ltd. are invaluable.

#ITSupport #Teamwork

Leaders in Adult Care’ Apprenticeship


Starting in November of this year, we have a new cohort of the Level 5 ‘Leaders in Adult Care’ Apprenticeship. This apprenticeship is a fabulous opportunity for potential leaders and managers in the caring fields.

It will help them build skills and knowledge whilst gaining confidence and a level 5 nationally recognised qualification.

The Apprenticeship will support learners to manage and inspire care teams to make a positive impact on those with physical, practical, or psychological challenges. The programme runs for 18-24 months, and funding is available through the apprenticeship levy. Over the course of the apprenticeship, a blended approach to teaching is applied to ensure candidates’ location does not prohibit them from taking part in the programme. This will still include regular teaching sessions carried out via online meetings with the Workshop Leader and fellow apprentices, as well as in-person meetings with a named assessor who will carry out observations in the candidate’s area. Following the completion of the apprenticeship, candidates receive a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care. If you are interested in becoming a Leader in Adult Care and changing the lives of others for the better, then contact Varsity Training via our website, or by emailing enquiries@varsitytraining.co.uk. #healthandsocialcare #apprenticeships

New Apprenticeship Starts


In November, this year we have a new run of one of our most popular Level 5 Diplomas starting:  The Healthcare Assistant Practitioner.  This diploma is set at level 5 and is the HE Diploma, 120 credit version.

This means it can meet the entry requirements to ongoing degree level programmes, such as Adult Nursing, AHP pathways and so on, but for most of our learners, this Level 5 qualification often just enables them to develop confidence, skills and knowledge within Healthcare, facilitates progression and promotion within their current organisation or even edges them towards the job they have always wanted!

We have learners working in private nursing homes, GP surgeries, Physio, OT teams and therapy teams, Hospitals, Reablement, End-of-life, Mental health and Learning difficulties teams – and so on!

This is our ‘Flagship’ programme and almost all of our learners have progressed in their careers, achieved new job roles, gained Band 4 posts within the NHS and have also gone on to Adult Nurse training, many APL’ing into the second year of the degree, others have gone on to further Apprenticeships and other degrees.

This highly valued qualification can be an absolute springboard to your next step.  Also, hopefully enjoyable and interesting too!

If you feel that this diploma is right for you, or your employees, then please get in touch to discuss in more detail.  Maybe you already work with an employer that we deliver this programme with?  Again, contact us and we can pass your details to the appropriate training department.

Varsity Training Launches New Programme


Varsity Training is delighted to confirm that we are increasing our apprenticeship portfolio with the launch of the Level 3 Community Health and Wellbeing Worker programme to help train and upskill a rapidly expanding workforce supporting the increasing emphasis across government departments on improving health of local people and communities by preventing poor health and tackling inequalities.

Following a tendering process through the NHS Salisbury Managed Procurement Process, we have been selected as one of six approved providers to deliver this programme nationally.

The Level 3 Community Health and Wellbeing Worker apprenticeship gives learners that may work in roles such as Health Trainer Carers or Service Navigators, Social Prescribing Link Workers, Community Connectors, Care Coordinators, Wellbeing Coaches or Community Health Champions flexibility and capability to become high-performing Health and Wellbeing Workers. This industry-developed apprenticeship provides the next development step for employees working in these roles.

The new 12-to-15-month programme delivers knowledge across a range of core and specialist modules, making it a relevant and valuable qualification for employees throughout all parts of the sector. Apprentices will develop an understanding of areas including promoting health and wellbeing of individuals, groups and communities, providing informed advice about local services and projects that support health and wellbeing, managing data and information and applying behavioural science to help people find practical solutions for better health and wellbeing amongst other key topics.

If you are interested in finding out more about this programme, contact us at enquiries@varsitytraining.co.uk to receive a full information pack

Varsity Training Matrix Standard


We are delighted to announce that Varsity Training have successfully been awarded the Matrix Standard for a third year! This quality standard mark ensures that we are delivering excellence in the field of Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG), providing impartial advice and guidance to our learners, employers and partners to support skills gaps and meet career and learning goals.

What is the matrix standard?

The matrix standard is a framework used to assess an organisation’s competency in the field of Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG). Matrix accreditation is a recognition of an organisations high standards of IAG delivery. This seal of approval supports IAG providers to demonstrate their knowledge and passion for the sector.

What does the standard look for?

In basic terms, the matrix standards in IAG assesses an organisations ability to prove the following:

  • Does the organisation know and clearly define what it is offering learners?
  • Is the information they provide accurate, impartial, up-to-date and confidential?
  • Do they allow learners to make informed decisions?
  • Is the training and information continuously evaluated and improved upon?

Meet the VT Team: Karen


This week, we meet someone you’ve probably all spoken to on the phone at some point, our Administration Coordinator, Karen!