Apprenticeships
Develop confident procurement professionals through the Level 4 Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner apprenticeship (often referred to as the Procurement Practitioner standard). This programme builds the knowledge, skills and behaviours apprentices need to support effective sourcing, contracting and supplier management, and to deliver real workplace value.
We are an Ofsted “Good” provider. In our most recent inspection, inspectors highlighted the positive attitudes apprentices have towards their training, the value they place on tutor expertise, and how well they apply new knowledge and skills in the workplace. Apprentices grow in confidence as they progress, and many achieve promotion during their training or soon after completion. Safeguarding arrangements are effective.
Programme Overview
Apprentices complete a structured journey of professional development in the workplace, delivered in partnership with the apprentice, their line manager/mentor and The Procurement Academy. During the programme, apprentices attend workshops, complete work-based activities, develop a portfolio of evidence aligned to the apprenticeship duties, and complete the CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply as part of the apprenticeship.
Key Programme Details
Level: 4
- On-programme learning: typically around 18 months
- End-point assessment (EPA): typically completed over the following months
- Overall duration: most apprentices complete within 2 years (with prior learning taken into account where applicable)
- Off-the-job training: a minimum of 20% of working time (currently 418 hours for the whole programme) and recorded through the training plan and off-the-job logs
- Maximum funding band: £10,000 (eligible prior learning will be taken into account to determine the final cost)
Our Onboarding Process
1. Enquiry Form
We collect essential information about the apprentice, line manager and key organisational contacts. This includes prior learning and education history and the information required for apprenticeship funding compliance.
2. Initial Assessment (Online)
An online assessment to understand the apprentice’s current starting point against the standard’s knowledge, skills and behaviours. This is expected to be completed alongside the line manager to ensure accuracy.
3. Professional Discussion
A meeting between the apprentice, line manager and The Procurement Academy to review the information from the first two stages. This confirms eligibility and also identifies what the apprentice and employer want to gain from the apprenticeship outside of the standard, for example public sector regulations or emerging topics such as AI in procurement.
4. Onboarding Meeting
Final meeting to sign paperwork, confirm the training plan, and ensure everything is ready for the apprentice to start learning on programme.
How Learning is Delivered
The apprenticeship is delivered through a blend of tutor-led workshops, guided learning and workplace application:
- Fifteen workshops and revision sessions delivered by specialist tutors at one of our CIPS approved study centres, with opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and sharing best practice
- Guided learning to strengthen understanding and increase effectiveness in the workplace
- Work-based activities to apply and embed learning, supported by line manager feedback where appropriate
- Regular progress reviews to keep apprentices on track and ensure employer visibility
What Apprentices Will Learn
Apprentices build capability across the full procurement cycle, including:
- Context of procurement and supply, governance and operating environments
- Early market engagement and routes to market
- Sourcing activity, contract agreements and implementation
- Category management and structured decision-making
- Negotiation skills to achieve balanced outcomes and resolve issues with stakeholders
- Contract and supplier performance monitoring, management and reporting
- Cost management, budgets and value for money thinking
- Using appropriate systems and digital tools to analyse, communicate and manage information
- Ethical procurement, sustainability, social value and responsible sourcing
Evidence and Progress Tracking
Throughout the programme, apprentices build a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate competence. Evidence can include workplace outputs such as emails, reports, presentations and contract documentation (with sensitive information redacted). Progress is documented through the evidence portfolio, off-the-job logs and skills/behaviour tracking.
For EPA, the portfolio of evidence typically contains around 16 discrete pieces of evidence mapped to the relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours. The portfolio should include only valid, attributable evidence (not reflective accounts or self-assessment). Employer contributions should focus on direct observation (for example witness statements), and the portfolio includes a statement from the employer and apprentice confirming authenticity.
End-Point Assessment (EPA) – What Happens at the End
EPA is completed through three assessment methods, delivered in the following order:
1. Presentation With Questions
The apprentice delivers a presentation and answers questions from an independent assessor. The presentation must cover:
A project or programme they have led on or contributed to (including their personal role, challenges and impact)
A tendering project they have led on or contributed to (from planning/market engagement through tendering to implementation)
* A project they have led on or contributed to with a distinct social value or sustainability element
2. Interview Underpinned by a Portfolio of Evidence
A structured interview where the apprentice answers questions and can refer to their portfolio of evidence. The interview explores themes including:
Infrastructure and governance
Financial management
Procurement and supply chain outcomes
Management of procurement and the supply chain
Sustainability
Development of the team and individual
3. Case Study Test (CIPS L4M8 exam)
The case study test is the CIPS L4M8 exam, completed under controlled, invigilated conditions (either at an approved centre or via remote invigilation). The exam is computer-based, closed book, and is completed within 180 minutes. There are typically four exam windows each year (March, May, July and November).
Gateway Requirements (Summary)
Before EPA can begin, apprentices must meet the gateway requirements, including:
- Completion of CIPS units L4M1 to L4M7
- English and maths requirements where applicable (or evidence of acceptable equivalents)
- Confirmation that required gateway paperwork and the portfolio requirements are in place
Progression
On completion, apprentices achieve the Level 4 Standard and also the CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply and demonstrate full occupational competence, supporting progression into senior procurement and supply chain roles such as Senior Buyer or Sourcing Lead. On successful completion, apprentices can move onto the CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma to continue their professional development
Enquire / Speak to Us
Email: admin@theprocurementacademy.com
Phone: 01135133365
