Procurement and Supply Assistant

The role of Procurement and Supply Assistant is vital for the smooth functioning of the procurement and supply department and will involve the process of buying low-value goods and services. This apprenticeship standard is a great entry-level gateway into the world of procurement.

Occupations

A Procurement and Supply Assistant 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.

Programme & Progression

Typically this apprenticeship will take 24 months to complete.

During the programme candidates will achieve their CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply, through 25 knowledge sessions and end of unit exams, which can be delivered face-to-face, online, or blended.

From the completion of this programme, learners can go on to complete a Commercial Procurement and Supply apprenticeship standard and achieve their CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply.

Requirements & Content

There are no formal entry requirements as this is the new entry-level apprenticeship into the procurement and supply profession, however, learners will need to attain a Level 2 qualification in English and maths before the end of the programme in order to access gateway (if not already attained). The CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate is structured using the following units:

You will study four core modules:

L3M1 Procurement and supply environments
L3M2 Ethical procurement and supply
L3M3 Contract administration
L3M4 Team dynamics and change

And choose one elective module:

L3M5 Socially responsible procurement
L3M6 Socially responsible warehousing and distribution

End Point Assessment

Apprentices will typically spend 18 months on-programme before Gateway is triggered and the End Point Assessment can begin. The EPA is made up of two assessment methods:

1 A work-based project followed by a presentation with questions and answers

2 An interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

EPA typically lasts 6 months and can only be accessed when a learner has achieved their CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate, and English and mathematics at Level 2.