PA23 - UK6 - Contract Award Notice

Description

Scope of Services1. BackgroundSouthern Water (SW) is re tendering its existing Apprenticeships Framework under Procurement Act 2023 rules and separately running a procurement for Lots 6a and 6b – these lots will be part of the Apprenticeships Framework prj_7318. The new scope reflects:• Removal of apprenticeship standards that no longer align with business needs• Continued delivery of high uptake programmes supporting operational and strategic workforce planning across SW and requirements for AMP8.2. Purpose and ObjectivesThe aim of this procurement is to appoint suitably qualified Framework Partners capable of delivering Skills England approved Apprenticeship Standards across multiple SW operational areas.Objectives:• Establish a compliant, high-quality framework for levy-funded apprenticeship delivery• Provide SW with access to current, industry-relevant apprenticeship standards• Support technical capability growth across Engineering, Operations and related fields• Ensure training aligns with Skills England occupational maps and updated national skills priorities• Ensure that provider hubs are strategically located to reduce the amount of travel for Apprentices• Ensure that provider hubs have the correct infrastructure and equipment required for the provision of the standards listed in the scope of this tender• Ensure that providers have standard programmes ready to start in September 20263. Scope of ServicesSW intends to establish a multi-supplier, multi-lot framework for the delivery of apprenticeship standards from Level 2 to Level 7 (wider framework). SW reserves the right to add or retire standards during the Framework Term to match updates published by Skills England, which now manages apprenticeship standards, revisions and occupational maps for England. 3.1 Lot StructureLot 6a Engineering & Manufacturing- Engineering Maintenance Technician Level 3Lot 6b Engineering & Manufacturing- Water Industry Asset Maintenance Technician (Level 3)- Water industry network technician Level 3,- Water industry treatment process technician level 3- Water network operative Level 2, - Water process operative Level 2, - Water treatment technician level 33.2 Geographic Coverage & Delivery ModelProviders must demonstrate capability to deliver:• Apprenticeships program ready to start in September 2026• Across multiple regions UK wide and within the SW operational footprint• With maximum apprentice travel time of 1 hour to training facilities • With at least one delivery point available across Sussex, Kent, Hampshire and Isle of Wight• Face to face learning where required by the apprenticeship standard• Hybrid/remote delivery where appropriate and compliant with ESFA funding rules3.3 Training Facilities & InfrastructureProviders must maintain access to:• Mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control training equipment• Engineering workshops, machinery and bays• Capacity to deliver all mandatory practical components of the standards• Business continuity arrangements to ensure uninterrupted deliveryProviders may be required to deliver training at SW premises for joint water sector cohorts where required.4. Framework Duration & Operation• Initial Term: 3 years• Optional extensions: Up to 6 years total (2 + 1 increments)• Call off mechanisms: o Mini Competitiono Direct Award (where compliant with criteria)• Provider onboarding, continuous compliance checks and performance management form part of framework governance5. Funding & Compliance RequirementsProviders must comply with:• ESFA Apprenticeship Funding Rules (2026 and successors)• Growth & Skills Levy rules• Skills England–approved apprenticeship standards and assessment plans • Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF)• Prevent Duty, Safeguarding, KCSIE• EPAO requirements and funding band capsMandatory obligations:• Clear cost breakdown aligned to Skills England funding band limits• Full compliance with off the job training requirements• Transparent EPA cost structure within ESFA m

Key facts

Reference

NOV676537

Procedure

Competitive flexible procedure

Framework agreement

Yes — a framework or dynamic purchasing system, not a single contract

Contact

Antonia O'Donovan

info@chichester.ac.uk

Contract period

19 Nov 2026 → 31 Aug 2029

Value incl. VAT

£2.8m

Category

Services

Awarded suppliers

• Chichester College Group · UKJ27, GB
• East Sussex College Group · UKJ22, GB
• IPS International Ltd · GB-COH-03368622 · UKJ41, GB
• South Hampshire College Group · UKJ35, GB
• PETA Ltd · GB-PPON-PCNL-5714-PRZV · UKJ31, GB
• Gold Tap Training Ltd · GB-COH-13184971 · UKJ45, GB
• UCS College Group · UKK23, GB
• Merit Skills Ltd · GB-COH-07112618 · UKH12, GB
• Watertrain Ltd · GB-PPON-PMMW-9676-YNMD · UKD61, GB