World Skills UK market research

The purpose of this notice is to refresh the Department for Education (DfE)’s market intelligence to understand more about the supplier market, particularly covering public sector aspects of technical and vocational teaching, learning and assessment, competitions, events and fundraising.

DfE grant funds a non-governmental organisation (NGO) to operate as WorldSkills UK (WSUK). This organisation is funded to be the government’s representative body in WorldSkills International and WorldSkills Europe, participate in international skills competitions and to use the insights gained to raise standards of teaching, learning and assessment across the sector.

The main deliverables of WSUK are:

1. Representing the UK in international discussion, debate and negotiation around global technical standards and the development of international labour policy.
2. Using insights gained from membership of WorldSkills International and WorldSkills Europe to raise standards of teaching, learning and assessment across the sector.
3. Research and policy contributions into technical education, teaching, careers, international models and success driving thought leadership and policy in further education (FE).
4. The organisation, judging and validation of national skills competitions, boosting standards and aspirations of FE colleges and providers.
5. The selection, training and preparation of "Team UK" members through a two-year cycle to ensure UK representation and strong performance at international skills competitions promoting the UK's reputation as a high skill economy.

DfE will gather market intelligence via issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to all suppliers interested in providing commercial insight. Following the RFI process, we will assess the responses and consider the next steps to ensure that the WorldSkills UK programme delivers good value for money and best quality whilst ensuring a compatible strategic fit with the government’s priorities.

To note: This notice does not signify the commencement of any competitive process and does not constitute any commitment by DfE. If DfE decides to commence any competitive process(es) as contemplated by this notice, a separate notice(s) will be published at the relevant time.

How to engage

We value your insights and encourage you to take part in this RFI. Your feedback is essential in helping us understand the current landscape and assess whether we’re taking the right approach with funding for the WorldSkills UK programme. It will also help us build a clearer picture of sector readiness and inform our next steps.

If you’re interested in participating, please email worldskills.uk@education.gov.uk by 16:00 on Friday 4th July 2025 to express your interest. We’ll then share further details and invite you to complete a short survey.

Your input will directly inform how we shape the future direction of this programme—thank you for your support.