About Apple Bridge

Trusted advice, friendly support, proven experience

Since 2014 we’ve helped Residential Childcare and Early Years providers develop skilled, confident teams — because when people grow, children thrive.

Sue Palentine, Founder and Director of Apple Bridge
28 years’ experience
Meet the founder

Sue Palentine

Founder & Director

Sue founded Apple Bridge in 2014 and has over 28 years’ experience in apprenticeships, training and workforce development. Known for her friendly, approachable style, she has built strong relationships with employers, training providers and funding partners across a wide range of sectors.

Her experience, industry knowledge and practical approach have helped hundreds of businesses and individuals access the right training and development — whether they’re business owners, managers or learners just starting out. Much of Apple Bridge’s success is built on long-term relationships, repeat business and referrals.

Trusted advice, friendly support, proven experience.

How we work

A calm, practical way of working

No jargon and no pressure — just honest advice and the right training, funding and support for the people who care for children and young people.

First

We start by listening

Every Apple Bridge relationship begins with a conversation, not a sales pitch. We take the time to understand your setting, your team and your goals — the pressures you’re facing, the roles you need to fill and develop, and where you want to be. Only then do we recommend anything.

An Apple Bridge adviser listening to an employer over coffee
Then

We find the right fit — whoever provides it

Because we’re genuinely independent, we’re not steering you towards one provider or one programme. We know the awarding bodies, training partners and funding routes across Residential Childcare and Early Years — so we match your people to the qualifications and apprenticeships that actually fit, and the funding that makes them affordable.

An Apple Bridge adviser matching a team to the right training
And always

We stay with you as your team grows

We don’t disappear once training starts. We stay in touch to review outcomes, spot the next opportunity and keep your workforce development on track — which is exactly why so much of our work comes from long-term relationships, repeat business and referrals.

An Apple Bridge adviser reviewing progress with a growing team
What our clients say

Built on relationships & referrals

Sue is extremely approachable and always goes out of her way to support the businesses she works with. What sets Apple Bridge apart is their personal approach — they take the time to understand the needs of each organisation and will always try to find practical ways to help, particularly for smaller businesses.

StevenInce Care

Being introduced to Sue completely changed the trajectory of our business when it came to staff training and apprenticeships… Her knowledge of apprenticeships and available funding has helped us enrol eligible members of staff onto training with minimal, and in many cases no, cost to the business. She has a way of making processes that initially seem complicated feel manageable.

HannahSanitas Cura

Working with Sue is always a fantastic experience. She takes the time to understand our organisation and what we are looking to achieve, before making the right connections with learning providers. She is incredibly approachable, responsive and knowledgeable, and has made the whole process of exploring and accessing learning opportunities for my staff simple and straightforward.

Michael McMahonRemarkable Outcomes

Sue manages the entire apprenticeship process from start to finish. My role is simply to send her an expression of interest form for each employee… There is very little for me to do, which is a huge blessing given my busy workload. Sue’s organisation, efficiency and proactive approach make the whole process straightforward and stress-free.

AllieGratia Cura Residential

Sue has been an invaluable source of support in helping us enrol people onto NVQ programmes through Apple Bridge. She has extensive knowledge of apprenticeships, available funding streams and training opportunities, and always provides clear, reliable educational advice… I know I can confidently approach her whenever I need advice or guidance relating to training.

EllieA Triangle Care

I have worked with Sue for four years and trust her completely. She is knowledgeable, reliable and understands the care sector. Her support is practical, responsive and always professional. I would recommend Sue and Apple Bridge Training without hesitation.

Billy MulvaneyGroup Director of Children’s Services, Emplace Care

Sue has consistently demonstrated her knowledge of training needs relating to social care Diplomas. She has been supportive in identifying training providers, guidance on funding, and maintained contact throughout the enrolment of apprentices. I would highly recommend her.

PamPositive Futures

What really stands out is the value Sue places on genuine working relationships, underpinned by a strong moral and professional foundation. She takes the time to understand people, build trust and make meaningful connections rather than simply making introductions… She is a trusted source of support, guidance and encouragement.

MichaelMM Training and Consultancy

Sue brings extensive knowledge and experience across the residential childcare and education sectors, together with excellent communication skills and strong sector connections… She has provided valuable guidance in relation to training, education and apprenticeship opportunities, including supporting us to establish links with an appropriate apprenticeship provider and identify cost-saving opportunities. We would highly recommend their professional services to organisations within the residential childcare sector.

Chris DlaminiStar Bright Living

After a false start with another Level 7 diploma provider, I was feeling frustrated and unsure about where to go next. Sue took the time to understand exactly what I needed, helped me find the right provider and made the whole process far less stressful. I am now 10 weeks away from completing this qualification and I didn’t think I would ever get to this point… Her knowledge and understanding of the qualifications required within the sector are invaluable, and I really appreciate having someone like Sue who I can turn to for honest advice and guidance.

VickiKingdom Care
A registered manager in a residential childcare setting

Let’s grab a virtual coffee

A free, no-obligation chat about your team’s development — just good conversation and practical advice.

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