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Early notice

Aspiring Pathways Project

West Yorkshire Combined Authority · published 12 Oct 2026

Tender expected
9 Nov 2026
Market engagement until
20 Oct 2026
Estimated value
£290,000 excluding VAT where stated
Procedure
Procedure not stated · above threshold
Contract dates
14 Dec 2026 to 31 Aug 2028
Where
Yorkshire and the Humber
Categories (CPV)
  • 80500000 Training services
  • 80000000 Education and training services

Description

West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) is preparing to commission Aspiring Pathways, a targeted programme designed to increase access to high quality and meaningful experience of the workplace for young people attending Alternative Provision settings across West Yorkshire. The purpose of this early market engagement is to raise awareness among potential providers, share our ambitions for the programme and encourage organisations to consider how their experience, expertise and partnerships could contribute to its successful delivery. Aspiring Pathways is a nationally funded programme designed to improve access to workplace experiences for young people in Alternative Provision, particularly those who may face additional barriers to progression. We are seeking a provider who can work collaboratively with 11 participating AP settings, to deliver a flexible, inclusive and progressive approach to work experience, recognising that young people in Alternative Provision will have different starting points and levels of readiness. Delivery will need include appropriate preparation and workplace-readiness activity for those not yet ready to enter a workplace, supporting young people to build confidence, skills and experience over time. The approach should be informed by the Careers & Enterprise Company’s Equalex framework, shaped around individual needs and interests, and underpinned by strong partnerships with AP settings and employers to create meaningful pathways into the world of work. Please note that this PPN is for prior information only, to inform potential suppliers of an upcoming opportunity and an engagement event for those interested in bidding. Additional Information A pre-market engagement event will be held via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday 21st October from 10:00am – 11:00am. Attending will be members of the Combined Authority’s Careers & Education Team and Commercial Team. This session will give an overview of the Combined Authority’s requirements and procurement process and allow prospective bidders to ask detailed questions. To attend the session, please complete the form linked in the attached PPN document, or via the URL here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=_DvpNGbuRUOk_oBbZ-SAwPOPFfNtYt5FmXqWSs2bdjtUNjBWQU1HSU5UV05FQ01IMUcxODdHSlVGSi4u

Notices for this procurement

  1. 12 Oct 2026 · Preliminary market engagement notice096308-2026 (opens in a new tab)
  2. 12 Oct 2026 · Planned procurement notice096290-2026 (opens in a new tab)

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