Engaging SMEs in the apprenticeship market

The Department for Education (DfE) are seeking to procure outcome driven engagement plans from suppliers to increase levels of awareness of apprenticeship markets and benefits amongst Employers, and to stimulate and support the generation of new or renewed participation in Apprenticeships starts within the Small and Medium Sized Employer (SME) landscape.

This focus on SMEs and the new starts created will increase the economic value of skills being supplied by the post 16 system, these improved skills will lead to increased productivity, social mobility and will support economic recovery.

Option to extend for a third year is included within the contract subject to affordability and government priorities.