Education and training services

Tender description

The IP 2.1 supports equal access to lifelong learning for all age groups in formal, non-formal and informal settings, upgrading knowledge, skills and competences of the workforce, and promoting flexible learning pathways including through career guidance and validation of acquired competences. Resources are being focused through this IP on people in the workforce who lack basic skills or qualifications needed for their career progression and for business growth and innovation in the knowledge economy. The strand in 2.1 is: — Skills Support for the Workforce, Intermediate/Higher Skills Provision The aim of the Services is to provide individuals with the opportunities to develop the skills that will enable them to progress in employment. The Services will provide support to employers to take on and develop individuals to fill intermediate, technical and higher level skills gaps and shortages. The Services must deliver a responsive skills programme that is tailored to the needs of the Worcestershire LEP area in order to stimulate a growth in the skills base for businesses that will give the best opportunity to grow the economy and create more and better jobs. The Services must deliver highly responsive skills provision to meet business and industry needs. Employers must be engaged to shape and direct the Services. This will include the development of collaborative and joint sector based training for businesses in the identified growth sectors. The delivery of the Services must focus on the following sectors which have been identified as offering potential for growth within the area: — Advanced Manufacturing; — Cyber Security and Defence; — Agri-tech/Agri-food; — Visitor and Destination Economy. The Services should also support businesses in sectors requiring STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) qualifications. Individuals with relevant STEM qualifications (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) interested in taking up apprenticeships and higher level opportunities with businesses in these sectors should be encouraged to do so. The SFA is looking to procure an organisation to deliver education and training that best support the needs of local employers and employees in the LEP area set out below.