Adult Skills and Skills Bootcamps

The principal purpose of the devolved ASF is to engage adults aged 19+ and provide them with the skills needed for entering and sustaining work, an apprenticeship/traineeship, or other further learning.

It provides funding for programmes of learning up to Level 2 (GCSE level equivalent) and some Level 3 qualifications for individuals aged 19-23. It does not fund all Level 3 learning as this is delivered through Free Courses for Jobs or Advanced Learner Loans, or programmes at Level 4 and above which are also funded through Advanced Learner Loans or Higher Education (HE) funding.

The devolved ASF encompasses a range of statutory entitlements for learners, including the right to fully funded provision for basic English and maths qualifications and, depending on the resident’s age and employment status, an entitlement to a first Level 2 and/or Level 3 qualification for individuals aged 19-23.

The devolved ASF also includes non-formula Tailored Learning provision. The primary purpose of tailored learning is to support learners into employment and to progress to further learning, in line with the overall purpose of the ASF. It will, however, also support wider outcomes including using it to improve health and wellbeing, equip parents/carers to support their child’s learning and develop stronger and more integrated communities. Additional information: In order to join the Council DPS the Applicant must meet the following minimum standards:

1. Hold a valid UK Provider Reference Number (UKPRN) from the UK Register of Learning Providers.
2. Be either registered with the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services (Ofsted) with your most recent Ofsted rating of grade 3 – requires improvement or above; or if you are a new training provider awaiting a monitoring visit from Ofsted. If this applies, please state your anticipated inspection date.
3. Have the ability to submit funding claims via the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) individual learner record (ILR).
4. Hold a cyber essential basics accreditation.
5. Hold policies and procedure (as set out in the procurement documents) that meet current legislative requirements, the Council’s Contract and Ofsted requirements.

Funding in Lot 2 is available for Free Courses for Jobs provision to support adults to gain free fully funded Level 3 qualifications that are part of the national approved adult offer.

The Free Courses for Jobs Level 3 Adult Offer is designed to help adults to gain the skills that are sought by employers. This will help them improve their job prospects and support economic recovery.

This offer includes around 400 Level 3 qualifications in 20 different sector subject areas (SSA). Cornwall Council as part of its devolved freedom and flexibilities has added additional courses to this list. The Council in consultation with providers will monitor qualifications on the approved list to ensure that they meet the needs of the County's strategic priorities.

Funding in this Lot should support adults aged 24+ to gain their first Level 3 qualification. Additional information: In order to join the Council DPS the Applicant must meet the following minimum standards:

1. Hold a valid UK Provider Reference Number (UKPRN) from the UK Register of Learning Providers.
2. Be either registered with the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services (Ofsted) with your most recent Ofsted rating of grade 3 – requires improvement or above; or if you are a new training provider awaiting a monitoring visit from Ofsted. If this applies, please state your anticipated inspection date.
3. Have the ability to submit funding claims via the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) individual learner record (ILR).
4. Hold a cyber essential basics accreditation.
5. Hold policies and procedure (as set out in the procurement documents) that meet current legislative requirements, the Council’s Contract and Ofsted requirements.

Skills Bootcamps are intensive, Level 3-5 (and in certain cases Level 2) or equivalent flexible training courses up to 16 weeks, with a guaranteed job interview (in the case of a new job), which equip adults with technical skills that enable them to access in-demand jobs, apprenticeships, new opportunities, and an increased level of income over time (including for the self-employed).

They are designed to support rapid training into higher-paid and sustainable job roles for sectors with evidenced vacancies, that align to the Department for Education (DfE) sector priorities; Digital, Technical, Green Skills, HGV, Construction, Early Years and Creative Industries and regional sector priorities (capped at 50% of the award total).

Provision in this Lot should be open to Cornwall residents aged 19 or over who are full-time or part-time employed, self-employed, unemployed (i.e. not in work), as well as adults returning to work after a break.

Applicants must ensure employer involvement in the design and delivery of their Skills Bootcamp provision. Applicants will be required to provide evidence of their work with employers. This could include involvement in the provision of behavioural skills support, work experience, coaching and mentoring, or the delivery of content. Additional information: In order to join the Council DPS the Applicant must meet the following minimum standards:

1. Hold a valid UK Provider Reference Number (UKPRN) from the UK Register of Learning Providers.
2. Be either registered with the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services (Ofsted) with your most recent Ofsted rating of grade 3 – requires improvement or above; or if you are a new training provider awaiting a monitoring visit from Ofsted. If this applies, please state your anticipated inspection date.
3. Have the ability to submit funding claims via the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) individual learner record (ILR).
4. Hold a cyber essential basics accreditation.
5. Hold policies and procedure (as set out in the procurement documents) that meet current legislative requirements, the Council’s Contract and Ofsted requirements.