Procurement and Supply Apprenticeship Qualifications
Procurement And Supply Assistant
Level 3
Duration: Typically, 18 months (this does not include EPA period)
This apprenticeship is a suitable entry level point for those seeking a career in procurement and supply and to develop core essential skills and knowledge of the profession.
The broad purpose of the occupation is the process of procurement or buying low value goods and services. Procurement and supply assistants are vital for the smooth functioning of the procurement and supply department in any organisation. They are often responsible for ensuring data is correctly administered and maintained in accordance with legislation of the organisation’s own procedures. They will use their knowledge of procurement regulations/policies to support the wider procurement team in tasks such as quotation and/or tender response evaluation, supplier database maintenance, purchase order review and conversion, and stakeholder liaison.
The individual will also often have purchasing requests and low risk contracts for which they will develop requests, quotes, or obtain prices and delivery. They will provide support in procurement to enable supplier selection, management and supplier closure and undertake a role in the management of supply delivery and quality assurance.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with their procurement teams as well as colleagues from other internal departments such as operational functions, finance, legal, IT, sales and marketing. This role also includes interaction with external stakeholders such as suppliers. This role may involve off site and supplier visits, however it will be mainly office based.
Assessment
The apprentice must achieve the following on-programme assessment requirements prior to Gateway:
English & Mathematics qualifications Level 2 (Equivalent to Grades A* – C or 9-4 at GCSE) Evidence is required OR Successfully completed a Functional Skills programme at L2
Successfully completed CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate
A minimum of 12 months on programme
Agreement from the apprentice’s EPAO (End Point Assessment Organisation – CIPS) of Title and Scope of the project that the apprentice will complete during the EPA period, which will form the basis for the project report EPA component; the apprentice’s employer must also agree the title and scope
Future Job Prospects & Learning Opportunities
With further study to level 4 Commercial Procurement and Supply, you could progress on to becoming a Senior Buyer or Supply Chain Manager. Eventually, you could progress on to become the Head of Procurement or Supply Chain Director.
Commercial Procurement And Supply
Level 4
Duration: Typically, 24 months (this does not include EPA period)
The work of procurement and supply professionals includes the process of procurement, or buying goods and services; however, these roles can be much broader than just procurement. These roles can extend to a huge range of related commercial activity such as influencing policy, financial analysis, engaging in contract law, and developing strategy to deliver services.
The variety of goods and services that procurement professionals are responsible for is vast: goods could range from buying a plane to negotiating new stationery supply. Securing services could include: finding new and innovative IT systems, outsourcing translation services or closing a deal on a construction project for a new building.
Assessment
The apprentice must achieve the following on-programme assessment requirements prior to Gateway:
English & Mathematics qualifications Level 2 (Equivalent to Grades A* – C or 9-4 at GCSE)
L4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
Agreement from the apprentice’s EPAO of title and scope of the project that the apprentice will complete during the EPA period, which will form the basis for the project report EPA component; the apprentice’s employer must also agree the title and scope.
Future Job Prospects & Learning Opportunities
Completion of CIPS Level 4 gains eligibility for equivalent membership of the Institute. CIPS Level 4 is a pre- requisite for MCIPS (L6) and the full professional licence and offers the potential for Chartered status.
With further study, you could gain a Level 5 Advanced or Level 6 Professional Diploma with CIPS recognition. You could progress on to become the Head of Procurement, Chief Procurement Officer or Supply Chain Director.
Find out more about our Procurement and Supply Apprenticeships