Apprentice Worker Agency

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 NWL's apprenticeship programme.

Objectives

The objectives of this contract are to:

• Provide a compliant and effective apprenticeship employment service.
• Deliver a positive apprentice experience.
• Support apprentice retention and successful completion rates.
• Ensure consistent support for apprentices and managers.
• Provide accurate and timely payroll and administration services.
• Deliver robust reporting and management information.
• Support NWL's commitment to early careers and future talent development.

INDICATIVE APPRENTICE NUMBERS FROM 2027

The indicative apprentice numbers set out in the table below are based on the workforce planning volumes agreed for 2026 and are provided to give potential suppliers an indication of the anticipated scale of apprenticeship delivery. These figures are estimates only and do not represent a commitment or guarantee of recruitment. The actual number of apprentices employed and enrolled onto apprenticeship programmes will be determined by organisational requirements, workforce planning priorities, budget availability and prevailing business needs. Consequently, the final volumes may be higher or lower than those indicated.

yr 1 1st June 27 - 31st May 28 72-77

yr2 1st June 28 - 31st May 29 77

yr3 1st June 29 - 31st May 30 77

yr4 1st June 30 - 31st May 31 77

yr5 1st June 31 - 31st May 32 77

yr6 1st June 32 - 31st May 33 77

yr7 1st June 33 - 31st May 34 77

yr8 1st June 34 - 31st May 35 77

A full scope document has been made available within this FTS