Skills for Growth programme

GMCA begins procurement process for £7m Skills for Growth programme

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has begun the procurement process for a £7m contract to support its Skills for Growth programme.

The contract is specifically seeking a number of elements including collaboration with SMEs and micro businesses, to gather intelligence on the occupational skills gaps they are currently faced with or expect to face in the future.

It will also aim to deliver at least 3,000 “skills for productivity” plans for SMEs, and identify at least 15,000 individuals in those SMEs and tailor make skills development plans for them.

The final element of this programme will look to provide intelligence to the GMCA and its partners on skills gaps and training needs, with data received to help commission training providers to meet these needs.

The contract is up to the value of £7m and is expected to be awarded in September, for delivery to begin in Oct 2020, lasting until Autumn 2023.

Sectors outlined in the Greater Manchester’s Local Industrial Strategy will be the focus of the contract, including health and care, advanced manufacturing materials and digital.

It will not only identify the skills gaps, but also identity priority groups, including older workers, those of low pay, women and under-represented group and focus on technical and job specific skills at level three and above.

Councillor Sean Fielding, GMCA portfolio lead for employment, skills and digital, said:

“We know that we need to provide the right skills training to improve productivity, be competitive and deliver on the ambitions of our Local Industrial Strategy. 

“This commission will provide small and medium businesses in Greater Manchester with the talent pipeline they need for the future. 

“It will do this by identifying and supporting those who would benefit from upskilling and reskilling.

 “The covid crisis has, of course, made everything so much more difficult for businesses across all sectors.

 “However, we have developed strong relationships with businesses during the crisis through the work of our councils in administering support grants, so we have a head start in understanding their needs.

“This programme will help us build on that knowledge to support our workforce to adapt and take advantage of the new opportunities that will come in our growth sectors.”

Procurement of skills delivery is not part of this tender.

Public Sector Executive, Feb/March, Cover

PSE Feb/March, 23

Greater choice, greater results

Our February/March 2023 edition of PSE brings you expert comment and analysis on a range of key public sector topics, from EV infrastructure to Digital transformation and reducing carbon emissions. Learn how the UK Government is investing in highway and freight innovation or read Cllr Matthew Hicks discuss the first step towards an exciting future for Suffolk, alongside so much more…

Videos...

View all videos
#PSE365: Public Sector Decarbonisation

Be A Part Of It!

PSE365: Public Sector Decarbonisation Virtual Event | 21 Mar 2023

PSE has created a full calendar of events to address the most important issues that influence the delivery of public sector services. 

Over 365 days you’ll have the opportunity to hear from a range of highly motivating, informative and inspirational speakers. These speakers will equip you with knowledge and unique insight to enable you to overcome the challenges that you face.

Industry Survey

What are the biggest issues facing the Public Sector?

 Public Sector Executive is undergoing some in-depth research around the issues the Public Sector is facing and the importance of deploying and using new technology within Public Sector organisations. 

We are asking for your help to better understand how public sector organisations are utilising technology to support their digital strategy and your opinion on what the biggest issues facing the public sector are.

This survey only takes a couple of minutes to complete and to thank you for your time and for filling out our survey, we'll enter you into a prize draw to win a £50 Amazon voucher.

In order to assist public sector organisations with improving their existing technology estate, we hope to leverage our findings to share best practises and innovations across the public sector.

More articles...

View all