Technical training services

Tender description

Companies are invited to register their interest in tendering for a Standardised Contract (SC3) for the provision of Degree Engineering Apprentice Training to include academic, vocational training and support for the Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) Apprentices. The Degree Engineering Apprenticeship Scheme exists to train Apprentices over a five year programme involving the attainment of qualifications typical of a Degree level apprenticeship. It includes training, assessment and practical project engineering experience in a working environment assisting experienced engineers operating within the MOD Project/Delivery Teams and Technical Support Groups. The on-the-job training is predominantly based at MOD Abbet Wood, Bristol and other MOD and Defence Contractor sites around the UK. The DE&S Degree Engineering Apprenticeship Scheme exists to train apprentices over a five year period involving the attainment of qualifications typical of a Degree level apprenticeship. The intention for Degree Level Apprentice Apprentices is to recruit up to 20 apprentices per annum, to be based at DE&S HQ MOD Abbey Wood, with the final intake finishing in 2024. There is also an option for further intakes in 2020 and 2021 which will complete in 2025 and 2026. The Apprentices shall be fixed term employees of the MOD. A Contractor is required to provide a service to deliver academic and vocational training (see below for qualifications), to support and contribute towards the management of Apprentices throughout their five years of training. Key services will include the Contractor's expert verification and moderation of apprentices' efforts and achievements. This will include, but not be limited to, formally verifying individual Apprentice learning logs, conducting NVQ assessments, monitoring progress and providing guidance. Degree Apprentices are currently trained in accordance with the Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer standards and the Authority intends to develop new standards and expand the intake to accommodate other specialist areas, notably weapons, munitions and aerospace. Phase 1 (Academic Year 1) — The start of an appropriate Foundation Degree in Engineering Basic Engineering Skills BTEC National Diploma Engineering (various) and National Vocational Qualification NVQ L2 Performing Engineering Operations PEO Functional skills Level 2 if required by trailblazer standards. Phase 2 (Academic Years 2 and 3) — Completion of the Foundation Degree Development of engineering and project management skills and NVQ L4 Engineering Manufacturing. Phase 3 (Academic Years 4 and 5) — Completion of Bachelor's Degree in Engineering linked with defence specific specialised modules delivered by the Authority. All apprentices shall complete Phases 1 and 2 and a decision shall then be made as to whether the Apprentice shall continue to Phase 3. Not all Apprentices may be taken forward to the degree course. Training and tuition for the above qualifications must take place within a reasonable travelling distance of MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol. NVQ L4 assessment during Phase 2 will be conducted at Abbey Wood and other MOD or Defence Partner locations within the UK mainland. The Contractor is to deal with all administration associated with the drawdown of any Government subsidies such as the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) funding and/or work with the Authority in the transfer to any new funding/student loan arrangements that may be imposed by future government regulations or legislation. It is not yet known how the SFA shall be applied. Potential tenderers must be registered with the Skills Funding Agency. Other elements of the requirement include: A costed option of a personal developments training course (previously delivered in the form of an outdoor activity week). An element will be included for Ad Hoc Tasking to cover any additional modules, additional workshop time or additional tasks as required by the Authority's Project Manager. Companies from outside the Bristol area should also give thought as to how they would deliver the services required at the locations described above, All criteria are listed within the Dynamic Pre-Qualification Questionnaire attached which must be competed as part of your expression of interest.