Commercial Procurement & Supply (Level 4) Apprenticeship

Encompassing the entire procurement cycle, achieving the Level 4 Apprenticeship in Procurement and Supply will enable an individual to use their breadth and depth of experience to position themselves as a commercially skilled professional with transferable skills and career options that span the public, private and charitable sectors. This will be supported by the attainment of a Level 4 Diploma with the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS).

Level 4 Apprenticeship duration:
Full time Level 4 apprentices will typically spend 18 months on-programme (before the gateway) working towards the occupational standard, with an average of 6 hours per week off-the-job training. All apprentices must spend a minimum of 12 months on-programme.

Funding required:
£9,000. Funding pays for Course Fees, Exam Fees, End Point Assessment and reviews and coaching.

Level 4 Apprenticeship Overview

Roadmap

Year One

Level 4 Apprenticeship element

At the start the apprentice will complete enrolment, induction and initial assessment including setting objectives and a timeline for the apprenticeship.

book element Level 4 Apprenticeship

Students will study the CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply and complete their examinations. Click here to view the CIPS Level 4 course.

Level 4 Apprenticeship People talking element Apprenticeship

There is one progress review every three months. Both the apprentice and line manager will need to be present for these.

Roadmap

Year Two

Man element Apprenticeship

The student will need to complete an End Point Assessment), consisting of a 5000 word project report and presentation.

Certification element Apprenticeship

The student will then be assessed and awarded a grade of distinction, pass or fail.

End Point Assessment (EPA)

The EPA period should only start, and the EPA be arranged, once the employer is satisfied that the apprentice is deemed to be consistently working at or above the level set out in the occupational standard, all of the pre-requisite gateway requirements for EPA have been met.

EPA must be conducted by an organisation approved to offer services against this standard, as selected by the employer, from the Education & Skills Funding Agency’s Register of End Point Assessment Organisations. The EPA consists of 2 distinct assessment methods:

Project report
Presentation and questions with an independent CIPS assessor

Performance in the EPA will determine the apprenticeship grade of fail, pass or distinction.

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Brochures
Knowledge
Show understanding of the market, regulatory environment, supplier and service landscape before beginning the tendering process.
Cost and pricing models and commercial concepts and how they influence supplier and customer behaviours.
The principles and purpose of commercial contracting and how contract terms, conditions and obligations affect delivery and supplier performance.
Understand sustainability risks and opportunities associated with sourcing decisions.
The aims of and tactics and techniques for successful negotiation.
The principles and purpose of contract governance, risk management and the internal controls within their own organisation and conduct work within those frameworks.
A range of supplier performance monitoring, management and reporting techniques
The need to develop strong collaborative relationships with customer, supplier and stakeholders.
Both national and international contractual and procedural procurement law. Recognise the use of legal terms that regulate commercial agreements.
Skills
Identify approaches to achieve agreements with external and internal organisations and stakeholders
Use a range of contract and supplier performance monitoring, management and reporting techniques
To be able to carry out cost management, including the cost base, and variances from budget.
Clearly and concisely raise items for discussion and negotiation in order to resolve an issue that may be with customers, suppliers or colleagues.
Recognise the impact that decision-making has on costs and identify opportunities to save money or deliver services in the most effective or efficient way.
Evaluate costs by comparison with industry standards or high performers (benchmarking).
Confidently display supplier/customer relationship management skills with a range of stakeholders, keeping key stakeholders and customers appropriately informed.
Take responsibility for activities such as change control, managing contractual obligations, risk management and measurement
Use selection and award criteria commonly applied when sourcing requirements from external suppliers.
Liaise, negotiate and undertake proactive actions with suppliers and stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of purchased goods and services
Behaviours
Maintain an economic, long-term focus whilst considering the objective of achieving value for money in combination to maximising quality in all activities.
Be responsive, innovative and seek out opportunities to create effective change.
Have a strong commitment and be self-motivated to develop and learn.
Create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of internal, external and connected stakeholders. Maintain effective partnerships with suppliers and customers through the commercial process to achieve business objectives.
Show consideration for objective and accurate judgments using sound evidence and knowledge.
Work to appropriate timescales and take responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes.
Consider diverse stakeholder needs and requirements.

Entry Requirements:
Apprentices must hold GCSEs in English and Maths prior to taking the End-Point Assessment.

Apprenticeship Policy Documents

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