The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has awarded a £10.2 million contract to TQ Education and Training Ltd to provide apprenticeship training for soldiers in the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) and the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC).
The six-year contract, due to commence on 1 August 2025, forms part of Tranche 3 of the Army Apprenticeship Programme (AAP). Its continuation will depend on ongoing funding from the Apprenticeship Levy or the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).
Enhancing Soldiers’ Career Prospects
The Army Apprenticeship Programme is designed to equip soldiers with vocational skills and recognised qualifications, benefiting both their military careers and future civilian employment prospects. The initiative plays a key role in ensuring a highly skilled military workforce while supporting long-term career development.
As part of the broader programme, the MOD is also seeking service providers to support apprenticeship training for the Adjutant General’s Corps (AGC) and the Royal Military Police (RMP), according to the contract award notice.
Competitive Tendering Process
The contract was awarded following an open procurement process, during which four tenders were submitted. TQ Education and Training Ltd, headquartered in London, was selected based on a combination of technical, commercial, and social value criteria.
Key evaluation areas included:
- Curriculum planning and management
- Apprentice onboarding, support, and engagement
- Quality assurance and continuous improvement
- Leadership and contract administration
The selection process placed significant emphasis on technical capability (60%) and commercial considerations (30%), while also prioritising social value—aligning with government efforts to enhance workforce development and post-service career opportunities for personnel.
Commitment to Vocational Training
The British Army has a long-standing commitment to providing soldiers with access to high-quality vocational training. Thousands of personnel undertake apprenticeships each year, gaining industry-recognised qualifications that enhance their operational effectiveness and future employability.
Under the new contract, TQ Education and Training Ltd will be responsible for delivering training across key Army branches, reinforcing the MOD’s focus on professional development within the Armed Forces.