Crown Commercial Service
The Prime Minister unveiled a range of measures on 21 August to support an increase in the number of apprentices and improve peoples skills.
Incorporating apprenticeships and wider skills development into the governments own contracting activities is integral to achieving this goal.
From 1 September, departments, their executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies will be required to consider the opportunity for apprenticeships and skills development in their contracting requirements.
These changes apply to contracts with a full life value of 10 million or more with duration of 12 months and above.
Businesses bidding for relevant contracts will need to propose the number of apprenticeships they expect to create in fulfilling the contract. This projection will be reviewed as part of the tender evaluation process and written into the ensuing contract. The contracting authority will take action if the supplier does not meet its commitment.
We have published a Procurement Policy Note to encourage skills development and help deliver the governments pledge to support 3 million apprenticeships over the next five years.
You can read the guidance here.
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