Sector Priority Fund Pilot IT Apprenticeship Programmes

Descriptions

e-skills UK have secured funding under round two of the Sector Priority Funding Pilot to deliver Level 3 IT Professional Apprenticeships across Wales. e-skills UK are seeking contracting training providers to deliver this programme from October 2012. Funding is available until December 2014.e-skills UK are aiming to deliver 108 Level 3 IT Professional Apprenticeships under this project. Apprentices will be recruited and starts allocated from October 2012. All apprentices must complete by July 31st 2014.Please note: through this contract, e-skills UK aims to create new partnerships between Welsh Government approved Work Based Learning Providers and Further Education Institutions through this programme. The desired model is such that a partnership would be created whereby the WBL Provider (whether independent or part of an FEI) and the academic IT department of the FEI will share delivery of an enhanced Apprenticeship model, with the FEI delivering the academic and technical aspects of the course and the WBL Provider delivering the competency components and administering the contract.However if those providers who are unable to create such a partnership, can provide evidence that they are able to deliver the technical aspects of this programme alone, such models will also be considered.The total amount available to contractors for this tender is £394,952.65 inclusive of any VAT. Contract lots have been divided by region – in order to secure a spread of contracts pan-Wales.1.South East Wales2.South West Wales3.Mid Wales4.North WalesTenders may bid under one or more of these lots, but each tender must be separate. Please indicate clearly on your tender, which lot you are applying for. There are no minimum or maximum thresholds as to the number of places a provider tenders for, out of the 108 available.Please see the supporting documentation for full details on how to tender, and contract award criteria.A draft programme specification has been attached - this template will form the basis of any contract awarded.Please Note: Apprenticeship allocation rates per learner will be in line with current Welsh Government mainstream allocation rates for Level 3 IT Apprentices