GovWire

Were looking for training providers to take part in an expert apprenticeship training provider pilot.

Well work in partnership with selected training providers to explore and test:

• access to the apprenticeship service on behalf of non-levy paying small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• an expert status quality mark on find apprenticeship training
• priority engagement opportunities with DfE officials through workshops and roundtables
• the impact expert status has on:
  • SME starts
  • starts for young people
  • resource efficiencies for training providers
  • the quality of delivery

The pilot will begin on 31 October 2023.

Aims of the pilot

Through this pilot we want to:

• make it easier for you to work with SMEs by giving you more access to our systems
• reduce the time and resource you need to commit to coaching SMEs through the digital systems
• give you the opportunity to identify and realise operational cost and resource savings
• reward and incentivise good quality delivery by allowing you to use your expert status as a mark of excellence and a marketing tool

What youll get

Expert apprenticeship training providers will act as ambassadors for the apprenticeship programme. You can use your expert status as a marketing tool and mark of excellence.

This status will also give you flexibilities and permissions in the apprenticeship service. This includes accessing the system on behalf of SMEs.

Youll also have:

• scheduled access to senior DfE officials
• the ability to shape the expert apprenticeship training provider scheme
• the opportunity to influence changes to the apprenticeship system

Expert apprenticeship training providers will not get any additional funding.

Who can apply

To take part in the pilot, you must:

• hold an existing DfE apprenticeships provider agreement
• be a main provider of apprenticeships
• meet the criteria set out in the application guidance (PDF, 234 KB, 15 pages)

As ambassadors for the programme, youll need:

• a track record of delivering high-quality apprenticeships
• good employer feedback
• good financial health
• evidence of your funding and audit compliance

Apply to take part in the expert apprenticeship training provider pilot

Before expressing an interest, read the application guidance (PDF, 234 KB, 15 pages). This explains more about:

• the pilot requirements
• the application process
• how to complete the selection questionnaire

Well inform all applicants of the outcome of their expression of interest from Monday 16 October 2023.

Email ExpertProvider.PILOT@education.gov.uk with any enquiries about the pilot.