At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Finance Department as a Procure to Pay Assistant and learn essential skills.
- Company: Lancashire Constabulary is committed to nurturing new talent and supporting your career growth.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn, gain a recognised qualification, and secure a permanent position.
- Other info: Assessment Centre invites will be sent to successful applicants; adjustments available for those who need them.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while developing valuable skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: No specific experience required; just bring your motivation and willingness to learn.
Are you looking to make a real difference, earn while you learn, gain a recognised qualification and build a rewarding career?
At Lancashire Constabulary, we’re dedicated to bringing new talent into our teams and supporting your development every step of the way.
We’re looking for a motivated individual to join our Finance Department as a Procure to Pay Assistant on the Procurement and Supply Apprenticeship Level 3.
All successful apprentices who meet the performance requirements over the apprenticeship journey will secure a permanent position in the Finance Department.
If you’re ready to develop the skills needed to provide an exceptional service to the public and become a valued member of Lancashire Constabulary, then this apprenticeship programme could be the perfect opportunity for you.
If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend our Assessment Centre, which will take place at Hutton, HQ. Don\'t be nervous about the assessment centre, we will make sure you have all the information you need when the time comes.
As a disability confident employer, reasonable adjustments will be considered for those candidates who require adjustments to undertake the Assessment Centre.
Successful applicants will start in October 2025
Candidates applying for Lancashire Constabulary should be aware that the use of online \'Artificial Intelligence\' (AI) systems such as ChatGPT to generate application answers is NOT permitted, any candidate found to have submitted an application form using online \'AI\' software to generate answers will be removed from the recruitment process with immediate effect. This may result in future applications with the Constabulary also being rejected, based on integrity.
Please note, as a condition of your appointment you must undergo and pass NPPV vetting.
Before you complete the online application, we would advise you to read the attached Information and Guidance documents.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR THIS VACANCY IS FRIDAY 8TH AUGUST 2025 -. PLEASE NOTE THIS VACANCY MAY CLOSE EARLY IF WE RECEIVE A HIGH VOLUME OF APPLICATIONS.
Police Staff Apprenticeship Programme - Procure to Pay Assistant in Preston employer: Lancashire Constabulary
At Lancashire Constabulary, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values the growth and development of our staff. Our Police Staff Apprenticeship Programme offers a unique opportunity to earn while you learn, gain a recognised qualification, and secure a permanent position within our Finance Department upon successful completion. With a supportive work culture and a commitment to diversity, we ensure that every apprentice is equipped with the skills needed to make a meaningful impact in serving the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Police Staff Apprenticeship Programme - Procure to Pay Assistant in Preston
✨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 Lancashire Constabulary.
✨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 Lancashire Constabulary 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 Lancashire Constabulary 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 Police Staff Apprenticeship Programme - Procure to Pay Assistant in Preston
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 Lancashire Constabulary get a sense of who you are beyond just the paper!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire Constabulary
✨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 Lancashire Constabulary.
✨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 Lancashire Constabulary.
✨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!
