Apprenticeship Agency Services Provider

Northumbrian Water Group (NWL) seeks an experienced apprenticeship agency supplier to employ and support apprentices on their behalf across Northumbrian Water and Essex & Suffolk Water. The supplier will serve as the legal employer of apprentices, managing all employment, payroll, HR administration, compliance, and welfare support throughout multi-year apprenticeship programmes. Key responsibilities include issuing employment contracts, administering payroll and statutory payments, maintaining employment records, providing HR guidance and employee relations support, ensuring compliance with apprenticeship funding rules and employment legislation, monitoring apprentice progress, coordinating with training providers, and delivering management information and performance reporting. The supplier must operate across both the Northeast and Essex & Suffolk regions and demonstrate strong apprenticeship sector expertise and excellent customer service. The contract is anticipated to involve 72-77 apprentices in year 1 (starting June 2027) and approximately 77 apprentices annually thereafter through May 2035, though actual volumes may vary based on organisational requirements and business needs. The objective is to provide a compliant, effective employment service that ensures positive apprentice experiences, supports retention and successful completion, and backs NWL's commitment to developing future talent and early careers development.