At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement tasks and learn about contract management in the public sector.
- Company: Join Barnsley Council, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with a Level 3 apprenticeship and flexible working options.
- Other info: Great opportunities for professional development and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in procurement and make a difference in your community.
- Qualifications: Energetic, team player with a passion for learning and high work standards.
The predicted salary is between 12.71 - 12.71 £ per hour.
Position reference: 50146005
Directorate: Core Services
Service: Strategic Procurement & Contract Management
Salary: NLW £10.85 - £12.71 per hour (dependent on age)
Working Arrangements: Agile
Working Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Fixed Term until 31/03/2028
Closing date: 03/07/2026 23:59
About the Post
The purchasing, procurement and contract management team is looking to recruit an Apprentice to support the delivery of a range of activities and develop skills and knowledge of public sector procurement and contract management.
Responsibilities
- Work alongside Officers to support end‑to‑end procurement tasks, including raising and receipting orders.
- Summarise and assess spend and contract performance data.
- Request quotes and search for supplier information.
- Assist in researching suppliers and maintaining procurement documentation.
- Support the analysis of spend and contract performance.
Prerequisites
- Basic Criminal Record Check.
- Provide a reasonable account of any significant periods (6 months or more in the past 3 years) of time living abroad.
- Have all necessary legal documents, such as a valid visa, to commence work (the organisation does not provide sponsorship).
Qualifications
- Committed, energetic, and solution‑focused.
- Able to work as part of a team or independently.
- High standards and a pride in work.
- Aspirations to learn and develop in procurement and contract management within the public sector.
Benefits
- Opportunity to progress a Level 3 apprenticeship in procurement leading to CIPS accreditation.
- Experience working with a dedicated team focused on delivering best value to residents and businesses.
- Excellent pension scheme and flexible working options to support work/life balance.
- Opportunities for professional development and training within public sector procurement.
Equal Employment Opportunity
At Barnsley Council we value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We provide a fair recruitment process and do not discriminate based on any protected characteristic. We are committed to creating a workplace where differences are valued and everyone feels able to be themselves. We welcome applications even from individuals with past convictions.
Apprentice (Purchasing Procurement and Contract) in Barnsley employer: Barnsley Council
Barnsley Council is an excellent employer for those seeking a meaningful career in public sector procurement. With a commitment to professional development, employees can progress through a Level 3 apprenticeship leading to CIPS accreditation, while enjoying a supportive work culture that values diversity and work/life balance through flexible working options. The opportunity to work alongside dedicated professionals focused on delivering best value to the community makes this role both rewarding and impactful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice (Purchasing Procurement and Contract) in Barnsley
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Communities
Dive into local procurement forums and groups! There are often networking events and workshops where you can meet industry professionals. This is your chance to ask questions, learn more about the field, and even make some connections. Plus, it’ll give you a leg up when looking for apprenticeships.
✨Showcase Your Interest Through Projects
Think about taking on small projects related to procurement, like simulating a buying process or researching suppliers. You can even showcase these on platforms like LinkedIn. This will demonstrate your passion for the field and help you stand out when you’re applying for an apprenticeship at places like Barnsley Council.
✨Connect with Your School’s Career Services
Don’t forget about your school’s career services! They often have exclusive listings and can help you find apprenticeship openings in procurement. They might even have connections to companies like Barnsley Council that you wouldn’t find on traditional job boards.
✨Be Active on Job Boards and Apply Directly
Keep an eye on apprenticeship job boards and don't hesitate to apply directly through our website. Many companies like Barnsley Council might list openings there before they hit wider job boards. So, be proactive; the early bird gets the worm!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice (Purchasing Procurement and Contract) in Barnsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Enthusiasm for Procurement:As you're applying for a procurement apprenticeship, we want to see your passion for the field! In your cover letter, share why you're interested in procurement, maybe mention any relevant projects, or experiences you've had in school or outside of it. This is your chance to let your love for the industry shine through!
Highlight Organisational Skills:In procurement, being organised is key. When crafting your CV, make sure to showcase any relevant skills or experiences that reflect your organisational abilities. This could include managing group projects, budgeting for school events, or even any admin tasks you've done. The more specific, the better!
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Key Skills:For a procurement apprenticeship, think about including skills like negotiation, analysis, and communication. Make sure your CV highlights any practical experiences you have, such as working in customer service or team projects, that demonstrate these skills. Tailoring your CV helps us see how you fit into the role!
Keep Your Application Conversational:Since this is an apprenticeship, it's important to keep your application a bit more conversational and friendly. Use a tone that reflects your personality while still remaining professional. This will help us at Barnsley Council get a sense of who you are beyond just the paper!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnsley Council
✨Know Your Procurement Processes
In procurement, it's all about understanding the supply chain and negotiation tactics. Brush up on common procurement strategies and be ready to discuss how you would approach supplier relationships. Demonstrating your awareness of these concepts can really set you apart during the interview with Barnsley Council.
✨Get Familiar with Tools of the Trade
Make sure you’ve dived into procurement software or tools relevant to the industry, like SAP Ariba or Coupa. Even if you haven't used them directly, showing that you know what they are and how they impact procurement can impress your interviewers at Barnsley Council.
✨Show Your Eagerness to Learn
Since this is an apprenticeship, the focus will be on your potential and attitude. Be ready to talk about why you're excited about a career in procurement and how this apprenticeship will help you grow. Share any relevant projects or experiences, even if they're informal.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
You might get hit with scenarios like dealing with a supplier who’s fallen short on delivery. Think about how you’d handle such situations and showcase your problem-solving skills. This demonstrates that you not only know the theory but can apply it in real-world situations!
