Procurement and supply assistant
Level 3 · AdvancedSales, marketing and procurement 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
This Level 3 apprenticeship trains you in the principles and practices of procurement and supply chain management, supporting the buying and sourcing of goods and services for organisations across public and private sectors. You will assist procurement professionals in tendering, supplier management, and contract administration. It can lead to procurement officer, buyer, or supply chain specialist roles, and towards CIPS professional membership.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Procurement and supply chain management principles and best practice
The tendering process including specification writing and supplier selection
Contract management and supplier performance monitoring
Public procurement regulations and commercial law fundamentals
Cost analysis and understanding of total cost of ownership in procurement
Ethical sourcing, sustainability, and social value in procurement decisions
Supplier relationship management and how to build effective supply chains
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Support the preparation of tender documents and supplier questionnaires
Research and identify potential suppliers for goods and services
Assist with evaluation of supplier proposals and quotations
Process purchase orders and maintain accurate procurement records
Monitor supplier delivery performance and flag issues to senior buyers
Carry out spend analysis and help identify savings opportunities
Communicate with suppliers on orders, queries, and performance matters
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
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What it’s really like
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