Southwark Pre-Apprenticeship Programme

Southwark Council is seeking an innovative programme of pre-apprenticeship support to increase the number of Southwark residents in apprenticeships by offering targeted information, advice and guidance (IAG) and support.

The aim of the service is to support Southwark residents in to apprenticeships with a focus on opportunities created under the Southwark Apprenticeship Standard.

The Service will have a flexible approach to support, responding to the needs of clients and employers to ensure placements are successful.

The contract will be within a budget envelope of £480,000 over 30 months on a payment by results basis with 15% of the contract value paid up-front.

The Provider should have: - an excellent track record in pre-apprenticeship support leading to quality employment outcomes - proven delivery of helping clients from a range of backgrounds, particularly those from disadvantaged groups, in to employment (specifically, apprenticeships) - demonstrable understanding of apprenticeships, specifically the challenges facing apprentices and employers A track record of delivering similar services in Southwark would also be preferable.

Apprenticeships are an important route to employment for Southwark residents and a key strategy for growth in SMEs and large employers.

The Council is working with local employers – both large businesses and SMEs – to create 2,000 apprenticeships.

The Provider will work closely with business support services to ensure Southwark residents are best-placed to access these opportunities.

Therefore, Tenderers should consider not only the needs of clients but also the varying needs of employers around candidate selection and retention, and how this service will respond to them.