Provision of Level 2 Maths & English Qualifications

Tender description

The University of Cumbria's strategic plan from 2017 onwards sees the provision of Higher and Degree Level Apprenticeships (HDLAs) as a priority area for development. Apprenticeship standards require that all apprentices should have a minimum level of Maths and English qualification (Currently either GCSE grade A-C or Functional Skills Level 2). Central Government changes to rules regarding eligibility for involvement in HDLAs, allows employers to place existing staff who may have work experience but no formal qualifications onto an apprenticeship. With the broadening of access to apprenticeships, it is anticipated that application for places on these courses may come from non-traditional learners who do not hold the required Maths and English qualifications. The University's learning provision is delivered at Level 4 or above and consequently, it plans to subcontract delivery of Maths and English function skills at level 2 and potentially level 3 or GCSE should the apprenticeship standard require this, to providers who have experience of delivering these courses.