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Thames Freeport Skills Programme 2027

Thames Freeport

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

11 Jun 2026 at 09:22

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
TenderUpdate

15 May 2026 at 15:12

UK4 - Tender Notice
Tender

07 May 2026 at 11:55

UK4 - Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Thames Freeport has completed the procurement process for its Skills Programme 2027, aiming to enhance vocational, technical, and skills training within the Thames Freeport region, covering Barking and Dagenham, Havering, and Thurrock. The main contract was awarded on 11th June 2026 and valued at £10 million, with services slated to start on 24th June 2026 and run until 11th June 2028, with potential extensions in place. The procurement process was conducted through an open procedure under the light touch regime for educational services. This initiative addresses local economic priorities by providing training across sectors like construction and advanced manufacturing within the UKI52 and UKH32 regions.

This contract presents robust opportunities for growth, particularly for businesses involved in education and vocational training services. The focus on local economic alignment and employment-driven outcomes makes it well-suited for SMEs and larger enterprises that offer innovative training solutions, including AI and digital manufacturing. It encourages participation of a diverse range of service providers, including VCSE organisations, enabling businesses to expand their portfolio and enter new markets by contributing to the development of a skilled local workforce. Being involved in this programme offers a platform for service providers to demonstrate effective employer ties and a strong local presence, key criteria that were heavily weighted during the assessment phase.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Thames Freeport Skills Programme 2027

Notice Description

Thames Freeport is procuring training providers to deliver the Thames Freeport Skills Programme, which funds the design and delivery of vocational, technical, and skills training aligned to local economic priorities in the Thames Freeport region (Barking and Dagenham, Havering, and Thurrock). The programme aims to: *Improve the supply of skilled labour in priority sectors *Create employment and skills pathways for local people, including those facing barriers to work *Support transitions into sustained employment and in work progression *Develop new curriculum and pilot innovative skills interventions *Strengthen coordination across the local skills system Types of provision include, but are not limited to: *Pre-apprenticeship training and short courses supporting entry into skilled employment *Qualification-based vocational training in construction, manufacturing, and technical trades *Upskilling and reskilling for adults already in work or seeking to progress *Specialist provision for underrepresented groups, including people with physical disabilities or SEND *Employer-linked training designed to lead to genuine job or apprenticeship outcomes *Training in emerging technologies including AI, digital manufacturing, and advanced welding All delivery must take place within the Thames Freeport region. Providers must have, or commit to establishing, physical delivery locations within the three boroughs before commencement. Blended learning with some online elements is permitted where it supports value for money. Avencera Ltd is acting as Procurement Agent and will be managing delivery on behalf of Thames Freeport Limited, supporting the administration, management, and delivery of the procurement process.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: Initial term of two years with options to extend by two further one-year periods (2+1+1), up to a maximum total term of four years.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-069326
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/055003-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Large, SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

80 - Education and training services

CPV Codes

80000000 - Education and training services

80530000 - Vocational training services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£10,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£10,000,000 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
£10,000,000 £10M-£100M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
11 Jun 20262 months ago
Submission Deadline
29 May 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
5 Jun 20262 months ago
Contract Period
24 Jun 2026 - 11 Jun 2028 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Thames Freeport
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
ESSEX
Postcode
RM18 7EH
Postcode Area
Romford
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH3 Essex
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH32 Thurrock
Delivery Location
TLH32 Thurrock, TLI52 Barking & Dagenham and Havering
Local Authority
Thurrock
Electoral Ward
Tilbury Riverside and Thurrock Park
Westminster Constituency
Thurrock

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
6
Supplier Names

BARKING AND DAGENHAM COLLEGE

CENTRE FOR ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE LTD

Community Coworking Ltd

South Essex College

The STC Group

USP College

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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