Background Information

The Programme is expected to run from 2020 – 2022 (with the possibility of extension to 2023) and an estimated budget of GBP 12-15 million.  It is anticipated that an invitation to tender for the Programme will be issued in Spring 2020. An update on the objectives and scope of the programme is provided in the attached PDF Summary Note.

To register your interest, please complete the simple proforma contained here before Feb 3, 2020: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/1VJQ7/

The purpose of this supplementary call for interest is to guide and facilitate the exploration and forming of partnerships and consortiums amongst potential suppliers for the Programme. The information you provide in this survey will NOT be used by HMG in the evaluation of any future tender of the services. Subject to your consent, the information you provide will be shared with potential lead contractors of the programme and/or other parties leading the development of consortium bids, who may contact you to discuss further.

Please Note: This is the second round of registration for the Skills Programme. The first call for interest was issued during Summer 2019. If your organisation already participated in the first round, it is not necessary to register your details again.

Prospective suppliers may also wish to register on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office eSourcing Portal (https://fco.bravosolution.co.uk ), where further notifications and updates regarding the procurement process will be communicated.

Benefits

Education institutions who register their interest will:

• Be connected with potential lead contractors interested in being involved in the delivery of the Prosperity Fund China Skills Programme to explore partnership opportunities
• Receive further updates on opportunities relating to the Prosperity Fund China Skills Programme

Programme Overview

The Prosperity Fund China Skills programme aims to match China’s specific reform needs with UK Skills sector strengths, to enable China to have a better-equipped and skilled work force ready for productive employment.  As China seeks to transition to a new economic growth model, one of the main challenges it faces is the size and scale of the skills gap. China’s 13th Five Year Plan, published in 2016, clearly sets out the need for investing in high-end skills to raise productivity and support China’s economic transition. The programme will draw on UK expertise in Technical and Vocational Education and Training and will align with Prosperity Fund work elsewhere in this sector.

 The Programme seeks to deliver policy outputs in three main areas:

1. Standards and Progression Pathways
2. Education – Industry Alignment
3. TVET Institution Capacity Building

Priority sectors for engagement include Early Years Education, Manufacturing, Construction and Healthcare.

Please view the attached PDF Summary for more detailed information.