Starting a career in procurement and supply can feel daunting, especially when coming from a completely different industry. In this case study, one of our learners shares their journey into public sector procurement, how completing a Procurement and Supply Apprenticeship supported their development, and the impact studying with Aspire Procurement Training has had on their confidence and career progression.
Could you tell us a bit about your role and what you do day-to-day? How did you fall into procurement?
I work as a Procurement Assistant in the public sector for a healthcare provider. My role involves supporting the organisation with day-to-day, lower-level procurement activities, as well as assisting colleagues across the organisation with any procurement-related queries.
I came into procurement after working in hospitality for many years and deciding I wanted a change in career. I was very lucky to be successful in securing this role in public sector procurement, and my career has progressed from there.
What motivated you to take an apprenticeship in Procurement and Supply?
When I started in my new role, the world of procurement and supply was entirely new to me. The CIPS apprenticeship felt like a safe and supportive way to gain both a recognised qualification and practical experience that I could apply directly to my role.
Studying towards a CIPS Level 3 Procurement and Supply qualification alongside my job gave me the structure I needed to build strong foundations in procurement.
What were the biggest challenges along the way, and how did you overcome them?
The first few months were the most challenging, particularly getting used to procurement terminology and balancing work with study. I am fortunate to have supportive team members who were always willing to answer my questions, which made a huge difference.
As my experience grew, I was able to apply the concepts from my CIPS studies to my day-to-day work which hugely improved both my confidence and my overall understanding of procurement and supply.
What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting their apprenticeship or CIPS journey?
There is a lot to learn at the beginning, so make use of the knowledge and experience of those around you.
Try to link your CIPS studies to real examples in your workplace, something which Aspire encourages. This really helped me develop a stronger understanding of more complex procurement topics.
Also, find a study method that works for you. Between textbooks, online classes, and other resources, if one method does not feel effective, try another. I found the Aspire practice tests extremely helpful and completed them multiple times before sitting each exam, which helped with confidence before sitting the test.
Which topics or modules have been most useful in your role?
Level 3 Module 1 Procurement and Supply Environments was particularly useful as it provided a broad understanding of the role of procurement and supply across different sectors. As I work for a social enterprise within the healthcare sector, it was interesting to learn about the differences between the public and private sectors and see where my employer fits in.
Ethical Procurement and Supply was also very beneficial, particularly in understanding how different procurement approaches can add value and contribute to organisational success.
Do you have any study tips?
It took me some time to find a study method that worked for me. Through a bit of trial and error, I eventually discovered what suited me best and went from there.
Using a combination of structured CIPS learning materials, revision resources and practice exams helped reinforce my understanding of procurement principles.
How has the apprenticeship helped you in your role or confidence at work?
It has helped massively. I was able to find my feet and learn the basics so to speak. Completing the procurement apprenticeship gave me a much stronger understanding of processes, compliance, and best practice in the public sector.
Interacting with other students on the calls helped me to understand the differences in peoples’ work environments and roles, which was a key insight I do not think I would have got otherwise.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship?
Absolutely. I completed a university degree prior to this, but I have found the procurement and supply apprenticeship with Aspire to be far more useful and directly beneficial to my career.
The combination of practical experience and a recognised CIPS qualification makes it a powerful route into procurement.
What’s next for you?
I plan to continue developing my career in procurement and hope to begin CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply in the near future to further strengthen my knowledge and career progression opportunities.
Start Your Own Procurement Journey
If you’re considering a career in procurement and supply, or looking to formalise your experience with a recognised qualification, an Apprenticeship in Procurement and Supply can provide the structure, support and practical knowledge to help you succeed.
At Aspire, we support learners at every stage of their CIPS journey – from CIPS Level 2 through to CIPS Level 6 – with expert tutors, structured online learning, and industry-relevant resources designed to build confidence and exam success. Find out more about our apprenticeships here.
