Description of the contract
GWLAD is a 3 year Operation in South West and Central Wales to work with enterprises in all sectors to develop and tailor courses in response to individual and higher skills needs. It is part-funded by the EU’s Convergence European Social Fund, through the Welsh Government.
GWLAD will offer a wide range of modules that enable a learner to accumulate credit towards a higher education qualification in Professional Practice. Delivery of modules will include lecture time at the place of work, tutor support, self-guided study and assessment.
The programme is individualised for each participant and enterprise. In addition to specific modules, accreditation of staff development programmes and prior experiential learning may be included. GWLAD will provide significant improvements to workforce skills and capabilities, through a portfolio of accredited work-based learning programmes leading directly to the award of relevant academic qualifications with a minimum award of 30 credits.
Recruitment of staff commenced in December 2015 with the delivery of the first modules starting in January 2016. Recruitment will initially focus on the Foundation Degree and Masters programmes to ensure that participants have time to complete the full award prior to project closure in October 2018. The final cohort is profiled to start a 30 credit module in June 2018. The programme will be delivered in partnership with Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion, with teaching at the Carmarthen campus, at workplaces, or other suitable venues.
In line with the current government policy of co-financing the funding model for this operation has been based on employer contributions towards module delivery costs of £25 per credit. The contribution varies depending on company size and will increase through the lifetime of the Operation to support the long term goal of developing a sustainable programme. Employers are required to contribute 30-60% of the course cost (depending on start date and company size).
UWTSD is seeking tenders from suitably qualified suppliers to assist in the marketing and recruitment of learners to the GWLAD programme of Work-Based Learning. Learners are offered a range of qualification pathways, all leading to UWTSD awards in Professional Practice. The specific qualifications for learners to be recruited to are:
• Foundation Degree in Professional Practice (level 4 and 5), a two-year course, 32 contact days, 16 assignments; to be recruited from enterprises in the Energy & Environment, Construction, ICT, Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, Life Sciences, Tourism and Leisure, Finance and Professional Services, Creative Industries, Health and Social Care, Customer Service, Life Sciences, and Food and Farming sectors and Small and Micro Businesses, Administrators and Corporate Managers and Directors.
• 30 Credit Award in Professional Practice (level 4 or Level 7), a five-month course covering 1-2 topics, 4 contact days, 2 assignments To be recruited from any enterprise in the private or voluntary sector.
Consortium bids are acceptable – one partner must be specified as the lead.
Suppliers will have an existing network of business contacts within South West Wales and experience of advising businesses on skills gaps and training needs.
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