Welcome to the first Apprenticeship Spotlight!
We are going to be shining the spotlight on a certain apprenticeship qualification / sector, rotating every couple of months. Our aim for the Apprenticeship Spotlight is to give you as much information about a specific qualification / sector and do a deep dive about what’s involved and what you will gain, meet the staff delivering the apprenticeships and hear stories from current and past apprentice’s completing the different programmes.
In the first Apprenticeship Spotlight, we will be focusing on Procurement & Supply.
What is Procurement & Supply?
Procurement and supply management involves buying the goods and services that enable an organisation to operate in a profitable and ethical manner. Responsibilities vary from sourcing raw materials and services to managing contracts and relationships with suppliers. Procurement is often responsible for up to 70% of companies’ revenue, so small reductions in costs can have a huge impact on profits.
What Apprenticeships are available for Procurement & Supply?
There are currently 2 possible apprenticeship qualifications for the procurement; Procurement & Supply Assistant (Level 3) and Commercial, Procurement & Supply (Level 4).
Procurement & Supply Assistant (Level 3)
By completing the Level 3 Procurement and Supply Assistant apprenticeship, you will gain a qualification equivalent to two A-level passes. It takes approximately 18 months to complete (depending on working hours). As part of the apprenticeship you will engage in off-the-job training, create a portfolio of evidence, and complete the End-Point Assessment. This apprenticeship qualification suits job roles such as Procurement Contracts Officer, Procurement Coordinator, Purchasing Assistant, and many more.
For the Level 3 Procurement and Supply Assistant apprenticeship, you will study subject areas such as:
- Procurement in the Organisation
- Analysis and Forecasting
- Communication
This qualification is an ideal progression route for your career in procurement.
If you do not have grades A-C/9-4 in GCSE Maths and English or equivalent, you will complete Functional Skills alongside the apprenticeship. It is nationally recognised, and is completed as part of the apprenticeship.
Alongside the apprenticeship qualification, you will also achieve CIPS Level 3, Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations. (hyperlink – https://www.cips.org/learn/qualifications/advanced-certificate/ )
For more information about this qualification, please watch the below video:
Commercial, Procurement & Supply (Level 4)
By completing this Level 4 Commercial Procurement and Supply apprenticeship, you will gain a qualification equivalent to a certificate of higher education (CertHE). It takes approximately 24 months to complete (depending on working hours).
As part of the apprenticeship you will engage in off-the-job training, create a portfolio of evidence, and complete the End-Point Assessment.
This apprenticeship qualification suits job roles such as Commercial Support, Commercial Analyst, Sourcing Executive, and many more.
For the Level 4 Commercial Procurement and Supply apprenticeship, you will study you will study subject areas such as:
- Context of Procurement and Supply
- Pre-Procurement and Early Market Engagement
- Organising Procurement Spend Into Categories
- Sourcing and Contract Agreements
Alongside the apprenticeship qualification, you will also achieve CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply. (hyperlink – https://www.cips.org/learn/qualifications/diploma-in-procurement-and-supply/ )
Please note: before enrolling into this higher apprenticeship, you must have achieved Level 2 qualifications in maths and English (GCSEs A-C or equivalent, such as Functional Skills).
For more information about this qualification, please watch the below video:
These apprenticeships are delivered through a variety of remote learning, video conferencing and one-to-one sessions at the business. The designated tutor will arrange the most convenient location and method of delivery bespoke to yourself as part of your initial assessment. Learning sessions are usually conducted every 4-6 weeks and last approximately 2-4 hours depending on your personal learning needs.
Off-the-job training is an essential requirement of apprenticeship qualifications to ensure you have adequate time allocated for studying and meeting with your tutor. In short, 20% of your working hours will be spent on training and learning activities to increase your knowledge, skills and behaviours related to the programme you will complete. You can do as much work as you want at a time that works for you and your employer.
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