The Warrington apprenticeship DPS is only for training providers already on the apprenticeship provider and assessment register (APAR, formerly RoATP). If your organisation is not on the register, read our guide to APAR, UKPRNs and apprenticeship DPSs first, because this route is closed to you until you are.
If you are an apprenticeship training provider already on APAR, this guide explains who runs the Warrington apprenticeship DPS, what it buys, how you apply and what entry typically involves, using public information only.
Who runs it and what it buys
The buyer is Warrington Borough Council. It advertised its Dynamic Purchasing System for the provision of apprenticeship training in July 2023, with a ten-year term, which makes it one of the longest-running routes on our list.
The council's notice explains why it exists. Since the apprenticeship levy arrived in 2017, the council has used its levy funds to support new apprentices starting work with it, and it wants a more planned approach to developing its existing workforce through apprenticeship standards. Warrington Borough Council apprenticeships therefore cover both new starters and upskilling current staff.
The apprenticeship DPS is split into 15 lots by subject area. They include business and administration; childcare and education; digital; health and science; legal, finance and accounting; protective services; social care; sales, marketing and procurement; and transport and logistics. You can apply for any or all of them.
Who it suits
On our frameworks page we say that both apprenticeship DPSs buy apprenticeship delivery through a dynamic purchasing system, and both are only open to providers who already hold apprenticeship provider status. If you're on the register, they are worth a look. If you're not, they are not the place to start.
Within that group, it suits providers with a UKPRN, a settled set of policies and a track record in the standards a council uses, ideally based in or near the North West.
How you apply
You apply in your own name through The Chest, the e-tendering portal shared by councils across the North West. Registration is free, and the council says it issues all its tendering opportunities there. Search The Chest for the apprenticeship training DPS and follow its instructions.
The notice sets a ten-year term but does not spell out how and when new applications are taken. Check the listing on The Chest, or ask the council through it, before you prepare a submission.
What entry typically involves
The council's documents set the actual requirements. In general terms, entry typically involves:
- being on APAR (the register that replaced RoATP), with your UKPRN
- evidence of apprenticeship provision in the subject areas you apply for, and the capacity to deliver it, which the notice asks for
- a financial standing check
- insurance at the levels the council sets, and a full set of policies
Expect the policy side to take the most time. Our insurance, ICO and DBS checklist covers the common gaps.
What being on it does and doesn't mean
Admission makes you eligible to compete. When the council needs training for an apprenticeship standard, it competes the requirement among the providers admitted to that lot, and price is not the only thing scored. Being admitted does not bring apprentices on its own; each opportunity is won against the other providers.
Where it fits with the others
Of the six frameworks on our frameworks page, Warrington and the Birmingham apprenticeship DPS are the two for approved apprenticeship providers. If you are on APAR, it makes sense to look at both. For non-apprenticeship training, see the YPO training framework.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be on RoATP to join the Warrington apprenticeship DPS?
RoATP is now called APAR, and yes, in practice you need to be on it. APAR lists the organisations eligible for government funding to train apprentices, and this DPS buys apprenticeship training.
How long does the Warrington apprenticeship DPS run?
The council's July 2023 notice set a ten-year term. Check The Chest for whether it is taking new applications today.
Where do I apply?
Through The Chest, the North West councils' e-tendering portal. Registration is free, and you apply in your own organisation's name.
Does admission guarantee apprentices?
No. It lets you bid when the council competes a requirement in your lot. Each opportunity is still won against the other admitted providers.
Sources
- Find a Tender — Warrington Borough Council, Dynamic Purchasing System for the provision of apprenticeship training (contract notice, July 2023)
- Warrington Borough Council — Opportunity to tender
- The Chest — North West procurement portal
- GOV.UK — Apply to the APAR as an apprenticeship training provider
- GOV.UK — Apply to join the apprenticeship provider and assessment register (APAR)
- legislation.gov.uk — Public Contracts Regulations 2015, regulation 34 (dynamic purchasing systems, as made)