Tender

Thames Freeport Skills Programme 2027

THAMES FREEPORT

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

07 May 2026 at 10:55

Summary of the contracting process

Thames Freeport, a public undertaking based in Essex, is inviting tenders for the "Thames Freeport Skills Programme 2027", aimed at enhancing vocational and technical skills aligned with local economic priorities within the Thames Freeport region, which includes Barking and Dagenham, Havering, and Thurrock. The tender is currently active, and processes will be managed by Avencera Ltd, acting as the procurement agent. This open procedure procurement falls under the education and training services category and carries a total contract value of £10 million. Interested parties should note that the tendering process deadline is 29th May 2026, with contract awards expected by 12th June 2026. Delivery locations must be established within the specified region, with some flexibility for blended online learning, and a framework agreement will be in place until 11th June 2030. The procurement allows electronic submissions and seeks to form a framework with a maximum of eight participants.

This tender offers considerable growth opportunities for businesses specialising in educational services, vocational training, and those capable of addressing the skills gap within the specified industries such as construction, manufacturing, and technical trades. With a focus on pre-apprenticeship training, qualification-based vocational training, and support for underrepresented groups, businesses that excel in these areas and can establish a physical presence in the region stand to benefit. Additionally, the tender's emphasis on innovative skills interventions and employer-linked training aligns with strategic goals of creating pathways to employment, making it particularly suitable for businesses that have strong employer relationships and a local presence. Engaging in this tender could significantly expand a business's footprint in the growing education and skills sector within the Thames Freeport area.

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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.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-069326
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/041834-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

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
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
7 May 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
28 May 20262 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
11 Jun 2026 - 11 Jun 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

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
Post Town
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

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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