Medway Apprenticeship Advice

Medway Council requires an organisation to provide an Apprenticeship Advice Service. The service would be required to provide high quality information and support to Medway businesses. Since the national changes made to apprenticeships in April 2017, businesses have adapted at varying rates, with many businesses opting to reduce or stop completely their apprenticeship recruitment. Feedback from Medway businesses has indicated that understanding the complexities of apprenticeships is a significant barrier to apprenticeship recruitment and that tailored support would help overcome these barriers. Some of the areas that are reported as confusing for businesses are; frameworks vs standards, 20% off the job, levy & non levy payment. Furthermore many Levy payers are not utilising all of their funds, with tailored support, these businesses could be supported to utilise or transfer funds where appropriate. Support will be provided to all businesses from engagement/enquiry through to placement of an apprentice. The contract will be awarded to the value of £30,000 for a period of 1 year. There will be an option for a second year if agreeable by all parties.