Serco awarded English Language Requirement contract in Wales

Serco has been awarded the new payment-by-results (PBR) English Language Requirement (ELR) contract in Wales. Under the two-year contract awarded by Department for Work and Pensions, Serco will be supporting people with very poor English or Welsh to improve their language skills and so help them obtain employment. In areas where Welsh is more important in the workplace, learners will be supported to improve their Welsh, rather than English. The contract has an estimated total value to Serco of £4.8m.

Serco will deliver ELR through a network of local expert subcontractors from the public, private and voluntary sector. As part of the ELR provision each learner’s skill level will be assessed and their tutor will encourage and support them to achieve their potential, and review their progress regularly. On completion of the course learners will gain an accredited qualification which will support their future applications for work, further education and everyday life.

Gareth Mathews, Business Director for Serco’s Welfare Services business, said: “Building on our experience in the welfare-to-work sector and in working with unemployed people, we will be able to give our English Language Requirement learners the opportunity to improve their ability to gain rewarding and meaningful employment.

”Our learners’ improved English or Welsh language skills might just make the difference in helping them integrate into their local communities, and we are pleased to be part of their journey to gaining employment and leading independent lives"

Notes to editors:

The seven providers (subcontractors) delivering these qualifications are as follows:

1) JanRo Ltd

2) Learnabout (Wales) Ltd

3) TBG Learning Limited

4) North Wales Training Ltd

5) Workers Educational Association Cymru

6) Energy Training Audit Services

7) Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council

Accredited qualifications

Agored Cymru is the Welsh awarding organisation specialising in meeting the needs of all learners in Wales. The following recognised qualifications can be awarded through Serco’s ELR:

• Agored Cymru Entry Level Award in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 1) (QCF): 600/6649/0 and (Entry 2) (QCF): 600/6637/4
• National Open College Network(NOCN) Entry Level Award, English for Speakers of Other Languages( ESOL) Skills for Life (speaking and listening) (Entry 1) (QCF) 601/4017/3