Trainee Bid Writer: Recruit, Train and Support

Overview of Thornton & Lowe's Trainee Bid Writer Programme

Thornton & Lowe has delivered a trainee bid writer programme since 2011. Many of the senior members of our team started their career as trainee bid writers. With a severe shortage of bidding skills in the sector, we aim to equip new talent with the skills needed to excel in this field. Our programme covers key aspects of bid writing through hands-on training and support.

Trainee Bid Writers for T&L

We recruit regularly for our own in-house bid writing service team. We have recruited 6 Trainee Bid Writers in 2024. We have one of the largest bid teams in the UK, including Bid Administration, Graduate Trainees, Bid Coordinators, Bid Writers, Senior Bid Writers, a Bid Designer, Bid Team Leaders, Bid Managers, a Head of Bids and Bid Director.

Trainee Bid Writers for our Clients: Recruitment, Training and Support

Many of our clients also want to increase their own bidding capabilities but do not have the expertise or existing bid team to provide a trainee with appropriate training and support. At Thornton & Lowe, we will recruit trainee bid writers for our clients (one or a cohort), as well as training and supporting them to develop. This often includes providing quality assurance, mentoring and additional bid writing and management capacity.

Trainee Bid Writing Programme Objectives

Our trainee programme develops skilled bid writers ready to tackle tenders. We focus on teaching practical techniques for creating winning bids. Trainees learn how to analyse tender requirements, gather relevant information, and write persuasive responses.

We also cover bid strategy, pricing, and quality assurance. Our goal is to produce well-rounded professionals who can handle the full bid process. By the end of the programme, trainees should be able to:

• Write clear, persuasive bid content
• Manage their time effectively to meet tight deadlines
• Work as part of a bid team
• Use industry-standard bid software

They attend our bid writing courses but this is only the start. They have a Bid Mentor and for many of our clients, we (T&L) still support and lead on some bids, but with the trainee bid writer increasing their role as their skills develop.

Eligibility Criteria

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. Most of trainee candidates have a university degree and strong writing skills. We look for candidates who are:

• Excellent communicators with a keen eye for detail
• Quick learners able to grasp complex information
• Team players with good interpersonal skills
• Comfortable working to strict deadlines

Some knowledge of business or a specific industry can be helpful. But we value potential and attitude over existing expertise. Candidates should be eager to learn and grow in this field.

Duration and Structure

Our trainee programme typically lasts 12 months. It combines classroom learning, monthly CPD and mentoring, alongside on-the-job training. The first few weeks focus on core bid writing skills through workshops and exercises.

Trainees then start working on real bids under close supervision. As they progress, they take on more responsibility. The programme includes:

• Weekly training sessions
• Mentoring from experienced bid writers
• Regular feedback and performance reviews
• Gradual increase in bid complexity

We tailor the pace to each trainee's progress. By the end, trainees should be ready to handle bids independently, but within our quality assurance systems, or as part of a team.

Recruitment Process

Thornton & Lowe's recruitment process for trainee bid writers is thorough and tailored to find the best candidates. We use a mix of methods to source, screen, and select applicants.

Sourcing Candidates

We cast a wide net to find promising trainee bid writers, which includes via Reed, Bright Network and our socials.

As we have a specialist bid recruitment division, Bid Resource, we are able to tap into broader networks of job seekers interested in bid writing careers.

Application and Selection

Our application process aims to be fair and efficient. Interested candidates submit their CV and a cover letter online. We use an applicant tracking system to manage submissions and screen for basic requirements.

Our recruitment team reviews applications carefully and shortlists the best for an initial informal meeting/ call. This team is usually made up of 1 director, HR rep and our Head of Bids or a Bid Manager. We look for strong writing skills, attention to detail, and an interest in bid management. Candidates who stand out move on to the next stage are asked to complete 3 short writing and review assessments. This helps us gauge their skills and potential. We then create a shortlist of the most promising candidates to interview.

Training Methodology

We have a tried and tested approach when it comes to training bid writers. Our methods focus on building core competencies, industry knowledge, and practical experience.

Core Bid Writing Skills

We start by teaching the basics of bid writing. This includes understanding tender documents, identifying key requirements, and crafting compelling responses. Our trainees learn to write clear, concise prose that addresses evaluation criteria. We cover proper formatting, use of evidence, and win themes.

Time management is another crucial skill we impart. Bid writing often involves tight deadlines, so we teach strategies for efficient work. Our trainees also learn about bid/no-bid decisions and how to assess opportunities.

Practical Exercises and Feedback

Hands-on experience is essential for developing bid writing skills. It is central to our trainee bid writer programme. We provide numerous opportunities for practice through mock bids and trainees work on actual tender documents, learning to analyse requirements and craft responses, but supported throughout.

Regular feedback is a key part of our training. Experienced bid managers review trainees' work and offer detailed critiques. We use a mix of individual and group feedback sessions to promote learning, including monthly CPD sessions.

We also encourage peer review among trainees. This helps develop critical evaluation skills and exposes writers to different styles and approaches.

Support System

We offer a support system for trainee bid writers, which is effective for both remote workers and our office based team members. We provide various tools and resources to help new writers grow and succeed in their roles.

Mentorship

Our mentorship programme pairs trainees with experienced bid writers. These mentors guide newcomers through the ins and outs of bid writing. They share tips, tricks, and best practices learned over years in the field. If we mentoring our clients trainees, it does work a little differently as while we provide our bid mentor service, we are of course not their line manager.

Mentors review trainees' work and give helpful feedback. This helps new writers improve quickly. They also answer questions and offer advice on tricky parts of the job.

Regular one-on-one meetings keep trainees on track. Mentors help set goals and track progress. This personal guidance is key to building skills and confidence.

Peer-to-Peer Learning

We have a culture of teamwork and knowledge sharing. Trainee bid writers learn from each other as well as senior staff.

Group workshops let trainees practice skills together. They can brainstorm ideas, review each other's work, and solve problems as a team. We set up chat groups where trainees can ask questions and share tips. This creates a support network that extends beyond formal training.

Peer reviews help writers see different approaches to bid writing. It also builds critical thinking skills as they give feedback to others.

Continuing Professional Development

We believe in ongoing learning for all staff. Trainee bid writers have many chances to keep growing their skills. We offer regular training sessions on various topics. These might cover new bidding trends such as software and AI, writing techniques, or industry-specific knowledge.

We also fund all our bid team, including trainee bid writers to be members of APMP and work through their professional certifications, alongside our training. These can really boost a trainee's skills and career prospects in bid writing. We encourage our clients to provide the same provision.

Career Progression

Trainee bid writers at Thornton & Lowe have clear paths for growth. We offer chances to move up and focus on specific areas of bid writing.

For trainee bid writers who work directly for Thornton & Lowe, as bid writing is our 'operations' there are many opportunities to progress.

• Our Head of Bids started as a trainee
• The Development Director who provides bid writing training across the UK and leads this division, started as our Bid Manager
  
• Another one of our Bid Managers, started as a trainee only 4 years ago

The typical route of progress with T&L is:

• Trainee Bid Writer
• Bid Writer
• Senior Bid Writer / Bid Team Leader
• Bid Manager
• Some have then moved to lead our sales and marketing, deliver training or quality assurance, for example. Or lead the business as part of our Senior Management Team.

Performance Review and Promotion

We regularly check how our trainee bid writers are doing. Every month, we meet to talk about their work. We look at the quality of their writing, how well they meet deadlines, and their teamwork skills.

Good performance will see a trainee become a bid writer after a year or before depending on their capabilities. With more experience, they will move up to bid writer or senior bid writer roles.

We also offer training to help our staff improve. This can include writing workshops or courses on specific industries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many people have questions about becoming a bid writer and developing their career in this field. We've compiled answers to some common queries below.

What qualifications are necessary to become a bid writer?

No specific qualifications are required to become a bid writer. A degree in English, business, or a related field can be helpful. Strong writing skills and attention to detail are essential. Experience in sales, marketing, or project management is also valuable.

How can one find reputable bid writing courses in the UK?

Several organisations offer bid writing courses in the UK. The Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) provides respected certifications. We offer bid writing courses across the UK, in person, workshops and online. Online platforms like Udemy also have bid writing programmes at a lower cost.

What is the average salary for a bid writer in the UK?

Bid writer salaries in the UK vary based on experience and location. Entry-level positions typically start around £24,000-£30,000 per year. Senior bid writers and bid managers can earn £40,000 upwards depending on their specialism. Freelance bid writers often charge day rates ranging from £250-£500.

Is bid writing considered a form of marketing?

Bid writing shares some similarities with marketing, but it's a distinct skill set. Both involve persuasive writing and showcasing an organisation's strengths. Bid writing is more focused on responding to specific requirements and criteria set by the buyer or contracting authority.

What support is available for trainee bid writers developing their careers?

Many companies offer mentoring programmes for new bid writers. At Thornton & Lowe we typically have 2 cohorts of trainee bid writers per annum for our own in-house bid writing services team. As well as trainee bid writer positions we recruit and support on behalf of our clients.