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Open tender · Notice 091052-2026

Apprentice Worker Agency

Northumbrian Water Limited

Value
£24.5m
Closes
Not stated
Where
North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, East of England
Lots
1
Suitable for SMEs
Yes, says the buyer
Contract
1 Jun 2027 – 31 May 2029

In plain English

Northumbrian Water wants a single supplier to act as the legal employer for its apprentices, handling contracts, payroll, HR administration and welfare support across the Northeast and Essex & Suffolk sites, from June 2027 to May 2029 (with potential extension beyond). Apprentice numbers are indicative only, starting around 72-77 per year, with no guarantee of volumes.

Good fit for: HR outsourcing or apprenticeship employment agencies with payroll and compliance capability across large, multi-site workforces.

Watch out: Supplier must act as the legal employer of apprentices, taking on full payroll and statutory obligations; Must comply with apprenticeship funding rules and employment legislation; Services must be delivered across two separate regions (Northeast and Essex & Suffolk); Very high estimated contract value (£24.5m) suggests scale requirements likely to favour larger providers

Written with AI from the official notice. Check the notice before relying on it.

What the buyer says

Northumbrian Water Group (NWL) is committed to developing future talent through a high-quality apprenticeship programme which supports workforce planning, succession management and skills development across the organisation. We require a supplier to provide Apprenticeship Agency Services across both Northumbrian Water and Essex & Suffolk Water. The supplier will act as the employer of apprentices on behalf of NWL and provide employment, payroll, HR administration, compliance and apprentice support services throughout the duration of the apprenticeship programme. The successful supplier will work collaboratively with NWL's Early Careers Team, hiring managers and training providers to ensure apprentices receive a positive experience and are supported to successfully complete their programmes. Service Requirements The supplier will be required to: • Employ apprentices on behalf of NWL through an apprenticeship agency model. • Issue and maintain employment contracts and associated employment documentation. • Undertake payroll administration and statutory payments. • Manage apprentice employment records. • Provide HR guidance and employee relations support relating to apprentices. • Ensure compliance with apprenticeship funding rules and employment legislation. • Support apprentice wellbeing and welfare. • Conduct regular reviews and progress monitoring with apprentices. • Liaise with apprenticeship training providers where required. • Provide management information and performance reporting. • Support mobilisation and onboarding of new apprentices. • Deliver services across both the Northeast and Essex & Suffolk operating areas. The supplier must demonstrate excellent customer service, strong apprenticeship sector knowledge and the ability to support the continued growth of…

Procedure: Competitive flexible procedure. Published 25 Sep 2026.

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