*Pre-Market Engagement* - BSP-24-012 - The Provision of a Part-Time NSETS/JNC Endorsed Professional Formation Programme in Youth Work
The Education Authority, the public body responsible for education services in Northern Ireland, is conducting pre-market engagement for a learning provider to deliver part-time, JNC-endorsed professional formation programmes in youth work under its Pathways to Employment Programme. The expected scope includes an undergraduate programme for an initial cohort of 20–30 students over up to four years, postgraduate study places for up to 15 students, and a master’s programme for 5–10 students, with potential further cohorts and extensions until participants complete their studies. Delivery must support cohort-based, part-time learning, block teaching, optional residential provision, student placements and Northern Ireland-specific course content, with at least 50% of tuition delivered at Education Authority premises and programme content, placements and funding agreed in advance. The value is recorded as £1, and delivery is expected at Education Authority premises in Northern Ireland, within the UKN region. The critical qualification requirement is that the programmes meet Joint Negotiating Committee standards for professional youth work qualifications.
Buyer: the Education Authority. Source: eTendersNI. Updated 6 Oct 2026.
Key facts
- Estimated value: Not stated by the buyer
- Bids close: 30 Oct 2026
- Location: Northern Ireland
- Procedure: Open/Competitive Flexible
- Category: Youth education services (80310000)
From the official notice
The primary purpose of this preliminary market engagement exercise (“Exercise”) is for the Education Authority (EA) to seek supplier views and feedback on potential approaches for the provision of a learning provider for Part-time Pathways to Employment Programme in line with the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC). Further information on the project is detailed within Background Information Section of this document. The EA is seeking to appoint suppliers to provide professional formation programmes in youth work for an undergraduate programme for an initial 20-30 students, for a period of study of up to 4-years. Within the contract period, further cohorts may be added, and we would anticipate that any contract would be extended until participants have completed their studies though the EA give no guarantees of numbers of participants. Secondly, a Postgraduate programme is required for 15 students, a master’s programme for 5-10 students which meet the JNC Qualification standards for a professional career in youth work. As part of this procurement exercise the Education Authority is seeking to understand the market capacity to provide a range of education opportunities to support the development of a suitably qualified and highly skilled workforce. This pre-market engagement exercise is intended to establish capacity, delivery models and commercial arrangements that may be available. The EA Pathways to Employment Programme will require the supplier to address and provide their a...
View the official notice
Questions about this tender
When is the deadline?
Bids close on 30 Oct 2026.
What is it worth?
The buyer has not published a value.
Who can apply?
Any supplier that meets the buyer's requirements can apply. Check the official notice for conditions.
How do I bid?
Open the official notice, register on the buyer's portal and submit your bid before the deadline.
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