Employability and Skills DPS
Framework Description
Warwickshire County Council runs an Employability and Skills dynamic purchasing system (DPS) to buy services that help people build skills and find work. It has eight lots, from careers advice and supported employment to apprenticeships, adult education and future skills. Advertised under notice 016445-2024, it runs until 25 June 2028 and stays open to new providers throughout.
Context & Use Case
The council and other public bodies use the DPS to commission employability and skills programmes as funding and local priorities change. Typical needs include support for young people moving into work or learning, supported employment for disabled people or those with learning difficulties, and adult learning. Contracts are competed among admitted providers in the relevant lot.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Careers advice and guidance Lot 2: Employment support and employability activity Lot 3: Supported employment for people with disabilities or learning difficulties Lot 4: Apprenticeships Lot 5: Support for young people moving into work or learning Lot 6: Adult education and lifelong learning Lot 7: Future skills Lot 8: Other employability and skills services
Lots
Lot 1 - Careers advice and guidance; Lot 2 - Employment support and employability activity; Lot 3 - Supported employment for individuals with disabilities or learning difficulties; Lot 4 - Apprenticeships; Lot 5 - Support for young people transitioning into work or learning; Lot 6 - Adult education and lifelong learning; Lot 7 - Future skills; Lot 8 - Other employability and skills services
Who Can Apply
Suits training providers, colleges, charities and social enterprises delivering employability and skills support in Warwickshire. As a live DPS, it accepts applications now, and admitted providers can compete for contracts until June 2028.
Buyer Benefits
The council can launch programmes quickly when funding becomes available, competing them among providers already checked. Eight lots match providers to specific groups, such as young people or disabled jobseekers, and an open DPS lets new local organisations join over time.
Next Steps
Read notice 016445-2024 on Find a Tender and apply for admission to the lots that fit your services. Prepare outcome data such as job starts and qualifications, safeguarding policies and delivery partners in Warwickshire. Once admitted, watch for competitions linked to new funding rounds.
How Athena Can Help
Athena can help employability providers join the DPS and win contracts. Our DPS joining support identifies the right lots and completes the application, with a compliance check before submission.
For competitions, our programme bid writers present outcome data and delivery models clearly and price for sustainability, while our advice on council funding bids helps you choose which competitions suit your capacity and community links, and shape social value commitments that fit Warwickshire's priorities.
