University Alliance is looking for an external organisation or individual to work with the team to produce a policy report that models the implications of the Labour Party’s skills policy on the delivery higher and degree apprenticeships and other high-level skills provision by professional and technical universities and makes recommendations on the potential implementation of these policies.
The requirement
We are looking to commission an individual or organisation to work closely with our staff team and our members to produce a policy report on the potential implications and implementation of the Labour Party’s skills policy, with a focus on higher and degree apprenticeships. The report should set out analysis and targeted policy recommendations that is detailed and robust whilst also being engaging and easy for range of external audiences to digest, including civil servants, MPs, and Ministers.
The aim of the report is to model the implications of the Labour Party’s skills policy on the delivery higher and degree apprenticeships and other high-level skills provision by professional and technical universities and to shape the implementation of these policies, should the Labour Party win the next general election. The report should address some or all of the following:
- Modelling the potential implications of existing Labour Party policy relating to higher and degree apprenticeships and the growth of higher-level skills (such as reforms to the Apprenticeship Levy).
- Consideration of how existing Labour Party policies could be effectively implemented to minimise any risks identified and to maximise the contribution that professional and technical universities can make to the needs of the current and future workforce (such as the introduction of Skills England, Technical Excellence Colleges and devolving powers away from Westminster).
- Identifying gaps in current Labour Party policy on higher and degree apprenticeships and higher-level skills.
- Targeted policy recommendations on the implementation of existing Labour Party policy and new areas for development on higher and degree apprenticeships and higher-level skills.
Project timeline
Deadline for proposals: 09.30 on Monday 18th March 2024
Interviews held: Thursday 21st March and Friday 22nd March 2024
Project kick-off: w/c 1st April or w/c 8th April 2024
Final report and project close: Wednesday 31 July 2024 (provisional date)
Tender process
Bidders must submit an electronic copy of their tender submission no later than 09.30 on Monday 18th March, with the subject line: ITT University Alliance Apprenticeships Research to: ellie@unialliance.ac.uk.
This is one of two policy reports University Alliance is commissioning on higher and degree apprenticeships. The aim of the other report is to identify the conditions needed to deliver the targets in the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan to provide 22% of all training for clinical staff through apprenticeship routes by 2031/32 (16% by 2028/29) and introduce medical degree apprenticeships. You can find further details on that ITT here. Individuals and organisations are welcome to bid to deliver both reports.
Read the full Invitation to Tender here.