South Wales Shared Apprenticeships Scheme
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Don't Overlook the Continuation
The biggest insight in this tender is the emphasis on continuation.
CITB isn't just starting a new scheme. They're focused on continuing an existing one.
Your response should reflect this.
The contract covers the delivery of a Shared Apprenticeship Scheme for South West and South East Wales, starting on 1st December 2026 and potentially extending to 31st March 2031.
It's not just about getting new apprentices on board.
It's about ensuring those already in the programme complete their qualifications without disruption.
Think About the Apprentices
Remember, this isn't just a contract for CITB.
It's a lifeline for the apprentices.
They're the real end users here.
What do they worry about?
- Stability and continuity of their apprenticeship
- Support to complete their qualifications
- Quality of training and mentorship
Address these concerns directly in your bid.
Pay Attention to What They Say
The buyer is clear about the importance of supporting apprentices to completion.
They want a provider who can offer seamless support from the contract's start.
This isn't just about onboarding new participants.
It's about ensuring those already in the programme are not left in the lurch.
They're looking for a provider who can maintain the quality and consistency of the scheme.
Evidence Over Promises
Evidence always beats promises.
If I were writing this tender, I'd focus on the evidence of past success.
- Examples of previous apprenticeship schemes you've managed
- Statistics on completion rates and outcomes
- Testimonials from previous apprentices and employers
Show them you have a proven track record.
Show How You'll Make Life Easier for CITB
Every contract creates work for the client.
The best providers reduce that workload.
Explain how your processes will support CITB, not just the apprentices.
- Clear communication channels
- Efficient reporting systems
- Proactive problem-solving approaches
That's what I'd build my submission around.
Don't Forget About the Long Term
This contract could run until 2031.
That's a significant commitment.
How will you ensure consistency over such a long period?
Think about staffing, recruitment and ongoing quality assurance.
CITB will want to know you're not just a short-term fix.
The Importance of Local Knowledge
This scheme is for South West and South East Wales.
Local knowledge will be crucial.
- Understanding of local industry needs
- Connections with local employers
- Familiarity with the regional educational landscape
Demonstrate that you have the local insight needed to make the scheme a success.
Common Mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on the mechanics of apprenticeship delivery
- Fail to address how current apprentices will be supported to completion
- Lack evidence of past success in similar schemes
- Ignore the importance of local knowledge and connections
- Overpromise without concrete plans for delivery
- Neglect the long-term commitment required
- Present generic solutions rather than tailored approaches
My Final Thoughts
CITB is looking for a partner who can seamlessly continue an existing scheme without disruption.
The contract is valued at £1,100,000 and runs from December 2026 to March 2029, with the option to extend.
Quality and reliability will be key.
Your written submission needs to demonstrate that you understand the importance of continuity and that you have the capability to deliver it.
Thanks for reading.
I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.
P.S. Got a question?
If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.
Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.
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Our guides are written using publicly available procurement information, including contract notices and published tender documents where available. They are designed to help suppliers understand the buyer's likely priorities and think more strategically about their approach. They are not based on any bidder's confidential submission, bespoke bid strategy or non-public procurement information.