SWAP Consortium

Descriptions

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) became responsible for the Adult Education Budget (AEB) for its residents from 1st August 2019. Devolved AEB provides funding for adult skills delivery, for residents (aged 19 and over) of the West Midlands' seven constituent areas (Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton).As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic the Universal Credit (UC) claimant rate continues to rise across the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) area, this is against a backdrop of an already high unemployment rate in the West Midlands compared to other regions. To respond to the pandemic, the WMCA is planning to increase its investment in Sector Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) to support both its residents back into work and employers in using SWAP as a recruitment solution.SWAP is a DWP (The Department for Work and Pensions) defined programme that the WMCA funds and delivers through its AEB funding. At present the WMCA invests in SWAP via its current provider base including colleges and local authorities through grant, and through Lot 1 Independent Training Providers (ITP's) contract for services.SWAP programmes are short sharp programmes lasting no longer that 6-weeks for unemployed individuals. The SWAP programme is developed around the job vacancy/vacancies provided by the employer, and the individual will receive occupational specific pre-employment training, work experience and a guaranteed interview at the end of the training for an actual vacancy.Through this tender exercise the WMCA is seeking to appoint a SWAP Lead organisation to develop a SWAP consortium of providers who will deliver the provision across the area for WMCA residents in line with our SWAP ambition. The SWAP Lead will develop a service where its provider members will bring forward applications, underpinned by agreement with the employer, setting out a training plan and the number of the jobs available delivering a job outcome rate of a minimum 65% at 13 weeks.The WMCA will make available £3m on annual basis over a 3-year period which means that the total investment is up to £9m. Contracts will be extended on annual basis subject to performance. Further in-year investment in the SWAP Consortium could take place based on performance. There is a virtual Q/A Session scheduled for 3pm, Tuesday 22nd June, see the PQQ Letter for more details.