Apprentice Buyer

Apprentice Buyer

Full-Time No home office possible
Go Premium
V

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our Procurement Department as an Apprentice Buyer, learning essential skills in procurement and supply.
  • Company: VolkerRail is a top railway infrastructure contractor, known for innovative engineering solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual leave, birthday off, and various employee perks.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your career with hands-on experience and a structured learning programme in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Minimum GCSEs grade 5 in Maths and English; A Levels or vocational qualifications preferred.
  • Other info: We value diversity and encourage all backgrounds to apply.

VolkerWessels UK is a market leading contracting group of five closely linked businesses. We provide integrated and ground-breaking solutions for the civil engineering and construction sectors, with specialisms in rail, highways, airports, marine, defence, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure. Ready to kick‑start your career in Procurement? Curious about how buying shapes major construction projects? This is your chance to dive in. Join our team here at VolkerWessels We are a multi-disciplinary Construction and Civil Engineering company, delivering an array of projects across Rail, Aviation, Building and Highways in the UK. Technology is at the forefront of our organisation. We are recruiting for an Apprentice Trainee Buyer to join our Group Procurement team. Please note that this role is based onsite at our Hoddesdon head office (with some travel as required). As an Apprentice Buyer, you\’ll work towards a recognised Procurement qualification (CIPS) while gaining hands‑on experience across our procurement functions. You\’ll support the Group Procurement Buyer and wider team with day‑to‑day activities, including: Liaising with site teams, promoting our preferred supply chain agreements Requesting and analysing quotations and historical spend data Preparing management reports and information Supporting other procurement teams across VWUK through short-term secondments, including more transactional procurement, raising orders etc Visiting sites or suppliers when needed, building collaborative relationships Learning how our plant hire desk operates in Birmingham You\’ll be part of weekly team meetings, sharing wins, tackling challenges, and helping us hit – and exceed – our annual targets. About you Applicants will ideally have achieved A-level or equivalent including good GCSE Math\’s and English grades We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic individual, meticulous with strong attention to detail, as well as collaborative with a real passion for Procurement, ready to start their career in construction. You\’ll have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, be proactive, an innovator and a team worker. If you\’re motivated, eager to learn, and excited by the idea of shaping the supply chain behind major UK infrastructure, we\’d love to hear from you. If your past experience doesn\’t match perfectly with every requirement of the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for us. Why work with us? VolkerWessels UK operate through five separate, but complementary businesses, working in collaboration and using our specialist skills to deliver an integrated service for our clients. At any one time, our people are working on our sites or in our offices, for around 250 projects across the UK. Everyday we overcome challenges, fulfilling our commitments, no matter what. That\’s what our business is about, that\’s how our people find satisfaction in their jobs. We offer competitive rewards and benefits, recognising the value we place on our employees. We offer a range of benefits, including: Competitive salary Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday Option to buy additional annual leave Private medical care Pension Life Assurance Cycle to Work scheme Shopping and restaurants vouchers, rewards, and discounts Training and development opportunities-comprehensive skills-based training Family friendly polices including enhanced maternity benefits Employee Assistance programme Mental health, physical health, and financial support 24/7 Virtual GP serviceFairness, inclusion and respect We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of fairness, inclusion and respect. So, our teams can be comfortable that, whatever their background, VolkerWessels UK is a place where they can be themselves and thrive. If you need support with your application, please contact us at Additional information Note for Recruitment Agencies: Our preference is to hire directly, and we will reach out to our Preferred Supplier List (PSL) agencies if this particular role qualifies for release. We kindly request that you refrain from sending speculative CVs. In the event of speculative CV submissions, no fees will be applicable, and we kindly ask that all inquiries to be directed VolkerWessels UK is committed to maintaining healthy, safe and productive working conditions for its entire staff and therefore a drugs & alcohol screening is mandatory for all. #LI-KP2

Apprentice Buyer employer: VolkerWessels UK Ltd

VolkerRail is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment at our Head Office in Doncaster. As an Apprentice Buyer, you will benefit from a structured learning programme that not only equips you with essential procurement skills but also opens doors to career advancement through recognised qualifications. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, competitive rewards, and a culture of fairness and inclusion, VolkerRail is dedicated to helping you thrive in your professional journey.
V

Contact Detail:

VolkerWessels UK Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Apprentice Buyer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the procurement process and terminology. Understanding key concepts like ethical procurement and contract administration will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the procurement field. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with people who can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities at VolkerRail.

✨Tip Number 3

Demonstrate your analytical skills by preparing examples of how you've solved problems in past experiences. This could be from school projects or part-time jobs, showcasing your ability to think critically and find solutions.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel. Being able to manipulate data and create reports is crucial in procurement, so consider brushing up on these skills before your interview.

We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Buyer

Verbal Communication Skills
Written Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Planning and Prioritisation
Organisational Skills
Punctuality
Problem-Solving Skills
Note-Taking and Minute-Taking
Action Planning
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
Proficiency in Microsoft Word
Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint
Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook
Proficiency in Microsoft Teams
Analytical Skills
Mathematical Understanding
Curiosity and Eagerness to Learn

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Apprentice Buyer position at VolkerRail. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the requirements of the Apprentice Buyer role. Emphasise your communication skills, attention to detail, and any experience with Microsoft products.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention why you are interested in procurement and how your background makes you a suitable candidate for this apprenticeship.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at VolkerWessels UK Ltd

✨Research the Company

Before your interview, take some time to learn about VolkerRail and its operations. Understand their core values, recent projects, and the role of the Procurement Department. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

As an Apprentice Buyer, strong verbal and written communication skills are essential. Be prepared to discuss how you've effectively communicated in past experiences, whether in school projects or part-time jobs. Practise articulating your thoughts clearly.

✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities

Think of examples where you've faced challenges and successfully solved problems, even with support. This could be from school, work, or personal projects. Highlighting your analytical mindset will show that you're ready to tackle the demands of procurement.

✨Prepare Questions to Ask

Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship programme, team dynamics, and opportunities for growth within the company. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you assess if the role is the right fit for you.

Apprentice Buyer
VolkerWessels UK Ltd
Go Premium

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>