APPRENTICESHIP FUNDING: Bidding opportunity direct with Welsh Government.
Covering the period August 2021 to July 2025 with a possible extension to July 2026 or July 2027.
To Fund:
· A minimum of 100,000 quality apprenticeship places
· All sectors of the economy
· A programme for all ages (16+)
How much is available?
The estimated value to be procured will be between £400 million to - £1.05 billion
Funding awards will be in the following range:
Total pan-Wales minimum allocation:
· All providers: £1m
Total pan-Wales maximum allocation:
· New providers: £1.7m
· Legacy providers: higher of 110% of historical start value or £1.7m
Programme Overview
The focus is on aligning and raising the level of the skills market designed to meet employer needs with a system that is responsive to industry changes, particularly in the sectors that drive growth and prosperity. The policy reflects the step change towards higher level technical and professional skills, promoting efficiency and portability within our priority sectors.
The delivery priorities are:
- Addressing skills shortages – developing apprenticeships, particularly in growth sectors and emerging job categories, in line with priorities determined by the Client and Regional Skills Partnerships.
- Developing higher level skills - focusing on apprenticeships at level 3 and above, where returns tend to be higher and at the level most successful European countries deliver. Continuing to monitor the effectiveness and relevance of Foundation (level 2) Apprenticeships.
- Improving access, equality and equity of opportunity: taking action to remove barriers for protected groups that are currently under-represented on the Apprenticeship Programme.
- Delivering Apprenticeships in Welsh – strengthening the opportunities to undertake an Apprenticeship through medium of Welsh or bilingually, to ensure all learners have the opportunity to maintain and develop their Welsh language skills.
- Improving performance measures (Quality and Benchmarking) – focusing on success through the achievement of meaningful and sustainable employment.
- Working with employers and employer bodies to drive diversity and innovation throughout Apprenticeships.
Key Dates
|
Activity |
Month |
|
Tender issued |
17 August 2020 |
|
Last date for responses to ITT clarification queries |
30 September 2020 |
|
Return of Bids |
12 October 2020 |
|
Announce intention to award / start of standstill period |
March 2021 |
|
Agreements and Programme Commissions of work awarded; feedback to Bidders on tender submissions. |
March 2021 |
|
IT System Alignment |
March 2021 |
|
Delivery arrangements come into force |
1 August 2021 |
If you would like further details or require a quote for our bid writing support, please email us at info@essassist.co.uk or call 01977 705203.
