Salary: £18,000 per annum + Benefits

The National Composites Centre is recruiting for a Procurement Apprentice to start in January 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