European Social Fund (ESF) Contracts

We have a proven track record of delivering high performing skills and employability contracts for the European Social Fund (ESF) and also deliver other large scale regional training and skills programmes for EU fund managing authorities.

The contracts listed below are delivered on behalf of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and the Education and Skills Funding Agency and we work in partnership with local training companies in each region to ensure the programmes are relevant to the local economy. 

ESF Contract: Positive Directions – London South

This programme is for jobseekers and inactive people predominantly aged 19-24 living in the London boroughs of Croydon, Richmond Upon Thames, Merton, Sutton and Kingston Upon Thames. Following an initial assessment and understanding of individual needs, learners will receive bespoke skills and vocational training, giving them the direction to progress into further education, traineeships, apprenticeships or employment.

ESF Contract: Positive Directions – SELEP

Targeting 15-18 year olds across East Sussex, Kent and Essex, the programme is planned in conjunction with local authorities to concentrate on identified ‘hot spots’. Working with our delivery partners, we are predominantly focussed on supporting school leavers aged 15 and over as well as those aged 16-18. Each learner is supported by a mentor to develop an individual programme of relevant skills and vocational training and is guided to enable progression into further education, employment, traineeships or apprenticeships.

ESF Contract: Positive Directions – Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Enterprise Partnership

Supported by local delivery partners throughout the region, this programme is designed for people aged 15-24 with a specific focus on the particular needs of school leavers aged 15 and over as well as jobseekers and inactive people aged 19-24. Following an initial assessment, each learner will receive bespoke training provision together with guidance towards further education, traineeships, apprenticeships or employment.

ESF Contract: Step Forward – Coast to Capital LEP

For people aged 16 and upwards, Step Forward is designed to support small and micro businesses with staff upskilling and development, people at risk of redundancy and people who have recently been made redundant needing to re-train or upskill. The training and support is available to businesses and individuals throughout the region. The programme is tailored to match individual needs and is planned to enable in-work progression as well as provide guidance towards further education, apprenticeships and, where appropriate, employment.