Commercial Apprentice

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College; Bristol; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

No student debt

Real-world experience

Build confidence

Career progression

Job summary

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College invites motivated A-level students to start a paid apprenticeship in commercial, procurement and supplier management in Bristol. You’ll work 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday, for two years, with a Level 4 procurement and supply chain practitioner course and regular training through SGSC.

You’ll gain hands-on experience with suppliers, customers and contracts, supported by experienced staff. Salary will be discussed at interview.

Qualifications

• No work experience required; potential matters most.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn.
• Interest in business, procurement or technology-led organisations.

Responsibilities

• Engage with teams and customers to understand requirements.
• Support procurement activities (researching suppliers, sourcing).
• Assist contracts and manage supplier relationships.
• Support and learn negotiation with suppliers and customers.
• Help evaluate options and support commercial decision-making.
• Identify risks and ensure compliance with legal/commercial rules.
• Develop attention to detail with data, contracts, and processes.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Problem solving

Organisation

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Education

Level 4 qualification

Job description

Start your career in business – no need for full-time university.

We’re offering an exciting opportunity for A-level students to launch a professional career in commercial, procurement, and supplier management.

Salary will be discussed further at Interview.

Training course

Procurement and supply chain practitioner (level 4).

Hours

You will work Monday – Friday, exact hours to be agreed between the apprentice and their manager. 37 hours a week.

Duration

2 Years.

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands‑on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

You’ll play a key role in how we work with both customers and suppliers, helping the organisation make smart, informed commercial decisions.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Engaging with internal teams and customers to understand requirements
• Supporting procurement activities (researching suppliers, helping with sourcing)
• Assisting with contracts and managing supplier relationships
• Supporting and learning negotiation with suppliers and customers to achieve the best commercial outcomes
• Helping evaluate options and support commercial decision‑making
• Learning how to identify risks and ensure legal and commercial compliance
• Developing strong attention to detail when working with data, contracts, and processes

This is a varied role with exposure to both customer interaction and supply chain management, giving you a well‑rounded commercial foundation.

Who is this for?

This opportunity is ideal for students who:

• Are curious about business, aviation, or technology‑led organisations
• Want to earn while they learn
• Enjoy working with people and solving problems
• Have a strong eye for detail and take pride in their work
• Are ready to take the first step into a professional career

Why choose an apprenticeship?

Benefits of an apprenticeship:

• No student debt
• Gain real experience employers value
• Build confidence in a professional environment
• Progress faster into your career

Where you’ll work

220 Bristol Business Park
The Close
Bristol
BS16 1FJ

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College

You don’t need work experience – we’re interested in your potential.

Potential strengths

You may already have strengths such as:

• Teamwork – group projects, sports, or volunteering
• Communication – presentations, discussions, working with others
• Problem‑solving – coursework, challenges, logical thinking
• Organisation – managing deadlines and priorities
• Attention to detail – accuracy in work and focus on getting things right
• Willingness to learn – curiosity and a positive attitude

And you will love technology and a desire to use it to improve our future!

About this company

Why Ascent?

Ascent is an exciting business at the heart of advanced training solutions. We deliver the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) and work across aircraft, simulators, and cutting‑edge technology – combining aviation, innovation, and operational delivery.

This means you’ll be part of a business where commercial decisions truly matter, supporting complex programmes and high‑value partnerships.

After this apprenticeship

What you’ll gain:

• A recognised Level 4 qualification (equivalent to first year of university)
• Skills in negotiation, commercial thinking, and relationship management
• Exposure to both customers and suppliers