Procurement and Supply Assistant Apprenticeship L3 (Start March 2026) in Bristol

The National Composites Centre is recruiting for a Procurement Apprentice to start in March 2026. This is a great opportunity to begin a career in Purchasing/Procurement, with pathways into Finance or Project Management.

How the Apprenticeship Works: You will embark on up to two years of learning - 18 months of study and a 6-month end-point assessment. During the first 18 months, you will complete the CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate. The apprenticeship is graded pass, distinction, or fail based on the end-point assessment. Completion of the Advanced Certificate is required before the final assessment.

What You Can Expect to Be Doing:

• Study CIPS Procurement and Supply Assistant Apprenticeship Level 3, gaining fundamental knowledge and skills.
• Assist Category Leads with drafting tender documents, running supplier competitions, and evaluating responses.
• Gain hands-on experience in contract negotiations, supporting senior team members and leading certain activities.
• Monitor supplier performance, generate reports, and ensure contract compliance.
• Help maintain records, track negotiations, and update contracts and correspondence.
• Identify risks in the procurement process, ensuring the best outcomes for the business.
• Use the ERP system for processing requisitions, raising orders, and onboarding new suppliers.
• Engage with stakeholders across the business to support procurement activities.
• Source new suppliers, conduct market research, and stay updated on industry trends.
• Attend meetings, collaborate with teams, and support the drafting of import/export requirements and contracts.
• Comfortable travelling as required, possibly on a national basis, for the occasional industry event with colleagues.

What We're Looking For:

• Some business administration experience or working towards a business qualification.
• Willingness to learn and enthusiasm.
• Commitment to personal and professional growth.

Apprenticeship Prerequisites: Functional Skills lessons will be offered to those who haven't achieved Level 2 in Maths and English. Apprentices over 19 are not required to complete Functional Skills unless needed. The NCC will support you in achieving Level 2 Maths and English if needed.

What You Can Expect from the NCC:

• A supportive and dynamic work environment.
• Guidance from a team of procurement professionals at various stages of their careers.
• Opportunities to engage in exciting projects and develop your skills.
• Generous holiday allowance.
• Cycle to work scheme.

Programme Overview: (Topics sequence may vary)

• Procurement & Supply Environments
• Ethical Procurement & Supply
• Contract Administration
• Team Dynamics & Change
• Socially Responsible Warehousing & Distribution

How Will You Be Learning? The programme will be delivered at our Bristol Filton site (SGS College, Filton Campus). Start date at the NCC, Emersons Green, Bristol, will be in early January 2026, a few weeks ahead of the apprenticeship programme beginning mid-January 2026, to familiarise yourself with the NCC first. The apprenticeship blends theoretical learning with practical workplace application. The programme includes three main phases:

• Foundations: Essential industry knowledge.
• Development: Skill-building through practical experience.
• Final Assessment: A project and formal evaluation to demonstrate competence.

Apprentices will gain critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management skills, preparing them for real-world challenges.

Work-Based Commitment: You will spend 20% of your working week in college and engaging in off-the-job training activities, such as shadowing or participating in relevant meetings.

Assessment: The CIPS qualification includes 5 multiple-choice exams at the end of each module (remote or in-person). End-point assessment (EPA): A 3000-word work-based project, presenting solutions to a business issue, followed by a presentation and professional discussion based on your portfolio.

Qualification: Level 3 Procurement & Supply Assistant Apprenticeship (Includes Level 3 CIPS Certificate).

To Apply: Follow the link to the Government Apprenticeship website and type in reference VAC2000006379. Closing date for applications is Sunday 18th January 2026. Interview date: End of January early February to be confirmed. Induction with SGS College: Start date March 2026. Start date with NCC will be 2 weeks prior to your induction start date at the College.