---
title: "Thames Freeport Skills Programme 2027"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-069326"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-069326"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-069326.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-069326.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "THAMES FREEPORT"
published: "2026-06-11"
---

# Thames Freeport Skills Programme 2027

Buyer: THAMES FREEPORT  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-069326

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## Summary

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.

## Notice

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.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/055003-2026 |
| 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 |
| All stages | Tender, Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 11 Jun 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 28 May 2026 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 4 Jun 2026 |
| Contract period | 23 Jun 2026 - 11 Jun 2028 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £10,000,000 |
| Lots value | £10,000,000 |
| Awards value | £10,000,000 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Complete |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | THAMES FREEPORT |
| Locality | ESSEX |
| Post town | Romford |
| Postcode | RM18 7EH |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLH East (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLH3 Essex |
| ITL 3 | TLH32 Thurrock |
| Local authority | Thurrock |
| Electoral ward | Tilbury Riverside and Thurrock Park |
| Westminster constituency | Thurrock |
| Delivery location | TLH32 Thurrock, TLI52 Barking & Dagenham and Havering |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 6 |
| Supplier names | BARKING AND DAGENHAM COLLEGE; CENTRE FOR ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE; COMMUNITY COWORKING; SOUTH ESSEX COLLEGE; THE STC GROUP; USP COLLEGE |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 80 - Education and training services

### Codes

- 80000000 - Education and training services
- 80530000 - Vocational training services

## Release History

- 11 Jun 2026 at 08:22 - Award - UK6 - Contract Award Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/055003-2026
- 15 May 2026 at 14:12 - TenderUpdate - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/044994-2026
- 7 May 2026 at 10:55 - Tender - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/041834-2026

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/055003-2026
  11th June 2026 - Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/044994-2026
  15th May 2026 - Tender notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/041834-2026
  7th May 2026 - Tender notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- http://www.delta-esourcing.com/
- http://www.delta-esourcing.com/.RequestforITTdocumentationcanberequestedfromthames.freeport.procurement@fnc.co.uk
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents

## 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-069326. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-069326.json.
