Procurement and Supply Assistant Apprenticeship L3 (Start March 2026)

National Composites Centre; Harry Stoke; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading centre in composites in Harry Stoke is seeking a Procurement Apprentice to start in March 2026. This position offers a pathway into Purchasing/Procurement, providing vital skills through hands-on experience in contract negotiations and supplier management. The successful candidate will complete a CIPS Level 3 qualification over two years while gaining essential work experience in a supportive and dynamic environment. Applications are open until January 18, 2026.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Functional Skills lessons will be offered for those without Level 2 in Maths and English.
• Apprentices over 19 may skip Functional Skills unless required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with drafting tender documents and running supplier competitions.
• Gain experience in contract negotiations and supporting team members.
• Monitor supplier performance and ensure contract compliance.
• Use ERP systems for processing requisitions and onboarding suppliers.

Skills

Business administration experience

Willingness to learn

Enthusiasm

Commitment to personal and professional growth

Job description

Salary: £18,000 per annum + Benefits

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’ll embark on up to two years of learning - 18 months of study + 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, Emerson’s 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) see more details about this qualification here

To Apply:

Follow the link to the Government Apprenticeship website and type in reference VAC2000006379 or click this link

Apply Here

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.