The Learning and Skills Council, which aims to improve skills across the UK, is embarking on a major overhaul of its IT systems worth up to £100m.

The new systems will be required to support the government's framework for recognising and accrediting vocational qualifications in the UK and the way they are awarded, due to be finished by 2010.

The intention is to make both the qualifications and the supporting IT system more relevant to the needs of employers and more flexible for learners.

The Council has issued a tender for a broad range of capabilities including business transformation, system integration, solution development and infrastructure services.

Chris Banks, chairman of the Learning and Skills Council said a very large programme of work is required.

"In this challenging climate, it is even more important that we provide people with the knowledge and skills to enable British businesses to build a strong foundation for growth as the economy recovers," he said.

"The launch of the procurement and prospectus marks an important step towards our objective of selecting a partner or partners for the design and delivery of the products and services which will underpin the framework."

The contract is divided into four lots, and lasts for four years. The deadline for application is 15 June.