Overview

This bill mandates that public authorities in the UK, when awarding major capital contracts (over £50 million), require contractors to provide apprenticeships, skills training, and to advertise job vacancies locally. The aim is to boost skills and employment within local communities.

Description

This bill, the Major Capital Contracts (Skills Training Requirements) Act, requires public authorities awarding contracts exceeding £50 million for capital works (e.g., power stations) to include specific clauses. These clauses mandate:

• Apprenticeships: Contractors must employ an average of at least 2% apprentices or advanced apprentices across their workforce.
• Skills Training: Contractors must provide continuous, nationally accredited skills training to all workforce members (minimum one hour per week for the contract's duration).
• Ongoing Skills Training Funding: Contractors must fund further skills training for their workforce and local residents via local providers for ten years post-contract, amounting to at least 1% of the total contract value.
• Job Advertising: Contractors must advertise all job vacancies in local job centres.

Definitions within the bill clarify terms such as "apprentice," "local people," and "major capital contract," ensuring clarity of application.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly increase government spending. However, it could indirectly reduce costs by fostering a more skilled workforce and potentially lowering long-term reliance on external contractors. No specific figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Public Authorities: They must incorporate these requirements into their contract specifications.
• Contractors: They face new obligations regarding apprenticeships, skills training, and recruitment.
• Apprentices and Workers: They benefit from increased training opportunities and job prospects.
• Local Communities: They benefit from increased employment opportunities and skills development within their areas.
• Training Providers: Potentially increased demand for their services.

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