Adult Skills Training Framework

This DfE funded programme requires a regional approach with cross border partnership working and may require a multiple supplier framework model which is yet to be finalised. Bootcamps should consist of short sharp interventions of around 8-16 weeks based upon employer input and skills demand. Courses can be accredited, employer endorsed or a mixture of both. Courses must be available to learners across Yorkshire & Humber and can be either face-to-face, virtual or a mix of both.

The contractor would evidence expertise covering a wide range of digital skills required for diverse roles including coding / programming, software development, cyber security, data analytics, digital marketing, etc. Digital skills cut across other sectors including engineering / manufacturing, infrastructure / construction and health and life sciences. Depending on the funding stream courses may be accredited to Level 3 and above, employer endorsed or a mixture of both. Tenderers will need to identify processes to engage with individuals under-represented in this sector, particularly women and encourage career changers into digital roles from others in decline.

A Contractor will need to identify individuals with the values of care and deliver training to equip them with the skills and value-based competences of service requirements in this crucial sector. The tenderer will need to evidence imaginative programmes across West Yorkshire that encourage new entrants into the social care sector plus career changers from sectors currently experiencing a decline in demand.Training is likely to be accredited at Level 2 / 3 and as job vacancies / demand dictates. Programmes would include careers advice and guidance on entry and progression routes.

The contractor will need to evidence close links with regional employers and a track record of responsive delivery to meet job vacancy demand. Training could be a mixture of classroom / employer based and virtual learning as appropriate. Depending on the funding stream, training may be accredited, employer endorsed or a mix of both with employer input key to the design and delivery. The contractor will need to evidence programmes that encourage new and diverse entrants into these sectors plus career changers from sectors currently experiencing a decline in demand.

This is an imaginative lot that looks to address in work training, upskilling and retraining to reduce the risk of redundancy against a background of change across West Yorkshire. The adult training will meet demand to support individuals to respond effectively to the rescue phase of the West Yorkshire Economic Recovery Plan and meet the immediate need to enhance support for people who have been made redundant or at risk of being made redundant due to COVID-19. The Contractor will create programmes that focus on preparedness for work, including changing careers, and developing emotional intelligence, resilience, adapting to change and enhancing and transferring employability skills and technical / sector knowledge into new career opportunities.

West Yorkshire is home to five universities offering direct access to a talent pipeline of graduates. There is much evidence that we have a pool of graduates that are under-employed or underutilised, working in lower skilled roles or the gig economy. The contractor will work collaboratively across West Yorkshire to develop and deliver graduate training programmes to support transition from university to employment. The training programmes would look to increase the number of graduates moving into, and retaining, meaningful employment particularly within the key and growth sectors identified in the Employment & Skills Plan. The tenderer will need to evidence how the programmes would address the progression gap between BAME and non-BAME graduates. It is anticipated that these programmes would include industry partners, graduate recruiters, CIAG / LMI and potentially a mentoring / coaching element.