---
title: "Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship Programme"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-05f27b"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05f27b"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05f27b.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05f27b.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "DEVON & SOMERSET FIRE & RESCUE AUTHORITY"
published: "2025-12-10"
---

# Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship Programme

Buyer: DEVON & SOMERSET FIRE & RESCUE AUTHORITY  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-05f27b

[View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05f27b)  
[Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05f27b.json)

## Summary

The procurement process for the "Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship Programme" was initiated by the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Authority, a sub-central government public authority based in Exeter, United Kingdom. This tender concerns the specialist training services category and covers the South West region. The process has reached the 'Award' stage, with the contract officially signed on 1st August 2025, running until 31st July 2026. The procurement was conducted using a direct method stipulating a "below threshold - without competition" approach, under a light-touch regime. The programme is designed to support the development of operational firefighters through a comprehensive apprenticeship scheme.

This tender presents substantial opportunities for businesses specialising in educational and training services, particularly those with experience in apprenticeship programme management. The contract for the delivery of this programme has been awarded to the South West Association of Training Providers Limited (SwatPro), a small to medium enterprise. Other similar businesses can identify potential growth by providing similar services, focusing on wraparound support, financial management, and online learning management. By participating in such programmes, businesses can leverage their expertise to support public service training initiatives, expanding their portfolio and enhancing their reputation within the public sector. This contract highlights the importance of collaboration between suppliers and public authorities in delivering essential training services efficiently.

## Notice

The supplier is required to provide a wraparound service to support the delivery of the Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship Programme. The wraparound services include: * Management and support of on-line learning * Ongoing on-line learning course platform * Services for administration of the Apprenticeship Service (DAS account administration) * Cost of managing data systems needed to process ILR submission (PICS) * On-going development of materials * Manage EPA arrangement and assessments * Managing sub-contract agreements * Financial Management * Funding claims * Audit checks and management * PICs data checking for accuracy and responding to ESFA reporting requirements The supplier shall act as the lead provider, with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority acting as a delivery sub-contractor for parts of the apprenticeship programme (including the practical training). Both parties shall work as a partnership to deliver the complete Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship Programme. An initial cohort of 14 wholetime firefighters will utilise this partnership to complete their apprenticeship. Further cohorts are also likely (dependant on recruitment of wholetime Firefighters and plans for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to become an Employer Provider and no longer requiring a wraparound service provider). Becoming an Employer Provider is subject to business case development and approval. The supplier draws down funds from the Apprenticeship Levy. They pay the End Point Assessment Organisation and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service for the elements of the apprenticeship that they provide. The supplier retains an agreed amount for the services they provide.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/081338-2025 |
| Notice type | UK7 - Contract Details Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Direct |
| Procurement method details | Below threshold - without competition |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | SME |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 10 Dec 2025 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 31 Jul 2025 |
| Contract period | 31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2026 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | £45,000 |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Complete |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Active |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | DEVON & SOMERSET FIRE & RESCUE AUTHORITY |
| Locality | EXETER |
| Post town | Exeter |
| Postcode | EX3 0NW |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLK South West (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLK4 Devon |
| ITL 3 | TLK43 Devon CC |
| Local authority | East Devon |
| Electoral ward | Clyst Valley |
| Westminster constituency | Exmouth and Exeter East |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | SOUTH WEST ASSOCIATION OF TRAINING PROVIDERS LIMITED (SWATPRO |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 80 - Education and training services

### Codes

- 80510000 - Specialist training services

## Release History

- 10 Dec 2025 at 10:07 - Award - UK7 - Contract Details Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/081338-2025

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/081338-2025
  10th December 2025 - Contract details notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents
- https://www.swatpro.org.uk/

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05f27b. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05f27b.json.