Tender Specification – Inside Manufacturing Enterprise (IME)
Education to Business Programme
Business and Education Together on behalf of its partners:-
Manufacturing Advisory Service – West Midlands
Coventry University Enterprises Ltd
Staffordshire SETPOINT
is seeking an interim evaluation of the Inside Manufacturing Enterprise, Education to Business Programme,
operating across the West Midlands.
What is the IME Education to Business Programme?
With the increased emphasis upon the 14-19 vocational curriculum and the impending introduction of the
Diplomas in Engineering and Manufacturing there is a growing demand to provide young people with a
‘direct and focused’ insight to the workplace especially within the areas of applied technologies.
The IME Education to Business strand is unique in that it addresses this specific need alongside promotion
of engineering and manufacturing as potential career routes to young people and provides insight to
teachers who may have little or no industrial experience.
The IME Education to Business Programme was a subsection within the Advantage West Midlands funded
IME Business to Business Programme during 2002- 2005. Activity post 2005 continued albeit with reduced
funding during 2006 and with proportionately reduced outputs. During March 2006 an interim evaluation of
the project identified a clear need for the activity set within the following objectives:
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To provide a regional best practice host company visit programme for the West Midlands and
provide young people ( 14- 19) their teachers and tutors with a unique opportunity to experience
modern manufacturing techniques and technologies which has clearly identified links with the
curriculum and vocational qualifications.
To recruit companies that support the high growth sector within the region
To play an important role in enlightening the attitudes of young people to manufacturing and thus
attract much needed talent into the industry.
To proactively support implementation of the Engineering and Manufacturing Diplomas from
September 2008 and 2009
What is the content of the IME Education to Business Programme?
In late 2007 Advantage West Midlands approved funding for an IME programme against the following
Objectives and Outcomes
Objectives
Objectives
1. To increase the engagement of manufacturing and engineering industries , private and public sector in addressing
their future workforce higher level skill needs
2. To raise awareness of manufacturing and engineering career opportunities amongst young people and their key
influencers and in so doing raise their attainment within science, technology and engineering.
3. To provide manufacturing and engineering resources which will promote the sector as a key delivery vehicle for the
science, technology and engineering curriculum
4. To increase the engagement of manufacturing and engineering industries , private and public sector in addressing the
skills and perceptions of the schools tutors and careers advisors.
5. To create a regional catalyst for good practice and its dissemination.
6. To support delivery of the Engineering and Manufacturing Diplomas
Outcomes
The project has identified various outcomes from the delivery of its objectives. These outcomes include:
1. Increased collaboration between schools, FE & HE and manufacturing and engineering public and private sector
providers, leading to enhanced employment opportunities for young people.
2. Increased interaction between the manufacturing and engineering sectors and education to inform the mainstream
curriculum provision and its impact on skill needs.
3. Increased long-term numbers of young people aspiring to Post 16 science, engineering, technology and math’s
courses.
4. Increased awareness of teachers and lecturers of the manufacturing and engineering technology sector and its
contribution to learning and economic competitiveness.
Outputs
1. Established a regional manufacturing and engineering visit programme in support of the 14-19 curriculum.
2. Innovative curriculum materials (case studies) linked specifically to the promotion of manufacturing and engineering
technology and the development of its skill requirements.
3. Extended capacity amongst Regional EBL providers in their support of manufacturing and engineering.
4. Engage employers across the manufacturing and engineering sector who may not otherwise be involved.
Interim Evaluation Specification
The Interim evaluation of the IME Education to Business Programme should focus upon the programme in
terms of:
1. Impact of the first phase of the programme 2002 – 2006 and the first academic year of the current
programme against its overall aims/ objectives/outcomes and outputs.
2. Lessons learnt from the project – recommendations for improvements upon impact; sustainability
and mainstreaming
3. An assessment of the project delivery against a regional remit
4. Identification of the linkages made/ could be made against other similar career – support projects
within the region
5. Impact upon strategic added value in terms of partnership working; funding leverage
The interim evaluation should also identify if/ how Programme could be scaled up e.g. to cover different
sectors and/ or a wider audience.
Timings of the Interim Evaluation
We would expect the successful Tender to begin work by 12 May 2008, with the report available 27th June
2008
Costings
Potential tenders are invited to submit a quote for this work
Selection will be based on a best value for money criteria
Contractual arrangements
The successful Tender will operate within an agreed contract with Be Together. Outcome milestones will
feature within that contract. The IME Education to Business Steering Group will oversee the contract
delivery
Format for completing of Tender
The successful Tender will be expected to demonstrate: Details of evaluator (s) and evidence of suitability for this project
 How they will meet the criteria within the evaluation specification
 The provision of an implementation plan with timescales and milestones
 Methodology to be adopted
 Number of days to be spent
 Date when report made available
 Number of visits planned to participating partners
 How they will present the final interim report
 Evidence of knowledge of the role of education business links and its contribution towards learning
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Evidence of track record of evaluation within the area of education business links and work related
learning.
Conclusion
Tender submissions should be sent to:MaryB McGrath- Chief Executive
Be Together
St Joseph’s Court
2-4 Lichfield Street
Rugeley
WS15 1DQ
By Friday 7th March 2008