At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in contract negotiations and support procurement activities.
- Company: Join the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, shaping the future of our region.
- Benefits: Fully funded apprenticeship, paid experience, training, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with excellent career growth and volunteering opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while building valuable skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs and 2 A Levels (or equivalent) with good communication and IT skills.
The predicted salary is between 26403 - 27694 £ per year.
The following content displays a map of the job's location - 70 Redcliff Street, Bristol.
Fixed Term/Full Time - 37 hours per week, 2 year term starting 5th October 2026.
Closing Date: 24/07/2026
Job Category: HR & Organisational Development
Region / Division: UK Region
Business Unit: Service Delivery
Job Introduction
Ready to start your career and make a real impact? The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) is recruiting enthusiastic apprentices to join our team and help shape the future of our region. If you’re looking for a chance to earn, learn and grow in a supportive public‑sector environment, this is your moment.
Why join the MCA?
- Be part of the work shaping the future of our region.
- Contribute to projects that make a real difference.
- See the impact of your work in the communities around you while building valuable skills for your future.
What you'll get:
- A fully funded apprenticeship qualification.
- Paid, hands‑on experience in a supportive public sector organisation.
- Training, mentoring and opportunities to develop your career.
- A welcoming workplace where we value being Ambitious, Collaborative, Inclusive, Confident and Innovative.
- The chance to make a positive impact across the West of England.
What we’re looking for:
- Enthusiastic people who are ready to learn, work as part of a team and commit to completing their apprenticeship.
- 5 GCSEs, including English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above).
- Minimum 2 A Levels (or equivalent) with predicted grades August 2026, Grade C or above.
- Good communication and basic IT skills (Microsoft Office or equivalent).
- Good organisational and time‑management skills, with a reliable and professional approach.
- A positive attitude, curiosity and a willingness to learn and develop.
- Ability to work collaboratively, showing resilience, enthusiasm and a commitment to delivering your best.
- Right to work in the UK and meet the government's apprenticeship funding eligibility requirements.
What you’ll do at work:
- 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.
- Engage with stakeholders across the business to support procurement activities.
- Assist in the procurement of goods and services, ensuring compliance with commercial policies, procedures and Public procurement regulations.
- Assist in maintaining relationships with existing suppliers, ensuring clear communication, and resolving any issues that arise.
- Support the process of onboarding new suppliers, ensuring they meet organisational standards and requirements.
- Assist in maintaining accurate records of contracts, purchase orders, and supplier agreements.
About the Company:
The annual salary for this role is £26,403 - £27,694. This is the full‑time equivalent salary, and will be pro‑rata for part‑time. We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments for external candidates typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year‑on‑year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.
Our Offer:
- 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous service.
- 2 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
- Flexible, family‑friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals.
- Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:
We are a founding Member of the West of England Good Employment Charter and accredited Living Wage Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse environment where all our employees can thrive. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and we particularly welcome applications from under‑represented groups without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or citizenship status.
We provide interview questions to all shortlisted candidates in advance or on request to ensure everyone can demonstrate their skills, knowledge and experience fully. This supports our duties under the Equality Act 2010. We also offer reasonable adjustments for applicants requiring additional support in the application or recruitment process.
Apprentice - Commercial in Bristol employer: West of England Combined Authorities
The West of England Combined Authorities is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values professionalism and attention to detail. With benefits such as 26 days of annual leave, a flexible working environment, and a generous pension scheme, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally in this dynamic role that plays a crucial part in local governance.
Contact Details:
West of England Combined Authorities Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice - Commercial in Bristol
✨Get Involved with Local Community Projects
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✨Apply Early and Keep It Personal
Apprenticeships can be super competitive, so don't wait until the last minute to throw your hat in the ring! When applying, keep your application personal and show off your passion for the public sector – it's all about how you can contribute to the mission of organisations like West of England Combined Authorities. Our website is a great place to keep an eye out for openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice - Commercial in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Soft Skills:In the public sector, soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are key. Make sure your CV highlights experiences that demonstrate these skills, perhaps through school projects or volunteering. We love seeing how you interact with your community!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Fit:Your cover letter is your chance to express your enthusiasm for the role. Specifically mention why working at West of England Combined Authorities in the government-public sector excites you and how this apprenticeship will help you grow. We want to see your passion for making a difference!
Research, Research, Research!:Before applying, dive into West of England Combined Authorities’s values and recent projects. Showing that you understand what we stand for and how you can contribute can really make your application pop. It lets us know you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Highlight Any Relevant Experience:Even if it’s just part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work, include any experience that relates to the public sector. If you've worked on community initiatives or school councils, be sure to mention those. We want to see your commitment to public service!
How to prepare for a job interview at West of England Combined Authorities
✨Know Your Local Issues
In the public sector, it's crucial to be in tune with the issues affecting your community. Make sure you can discuss local challenges and how you would approach solving them. This shows your commitment and awareness of the sector!
✨Highlight Your Passion for Service
For an apprenticeship in the government sector, it’s all about your motivation. Be ready to talk about why you want to serve your community and how you can bring enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to the role with West of England Combined Authorities.
✨Brush Up on Relevant Policies
Expect questions about specific policies or frameworks relevant to your desired position. Familiarise yourself with recent legislation or initiatives related to West of England Combined Authorities and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to these efforts in the role of Apprentice - Commercial.
✨Show Your Willingness to Learn
As this is an apprenticeship, demonstrating your eagerness to learn is essential. Be prepared to discuss how you've tackled challenges in the past and how you plan to develop your skills further while working with West of England Combined Authorities.