Procurement Apprentice
WATERTON ACADEMY TRUST
Barnsley (S72 8RP)
Closes in 13 days (Monday 29 September 2025 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 16 September 2025
Contents
Summary
To provide support to the Procurement manager and Finance Team in delivering efficient and effective procurement services across the Trust. The role will offer hands-on experience in public sector procurement processes, supplier management, and value-for-money initiatives while completing a formal apprenticeship qualification.
- Wage
-
£14,526.20 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday to Thursday, 9.00am - 5.00pm. Friday, 9.00am - 4.30pm (30-minute lunch).
Start and finish times can be flexible.
37 hours a week
- Start date
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Monday 20 October 2025
- Duration
-
1 year 6 months
- Positions available
-
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
Procurement Support
- Assist with the preparation of purchase orders and procurement documentation.
- Support the procurement manager in gathering quotations and supplier information.
- Help maintain the central contracts register, tracking renewal and expiry dates.
Supplier and Contract Administration
- Assist with onboarding new suppliers and maintaining accurate supplier records.
- Ensure compliance with procurement procedures when engaging suppliers.
- Help track performance of key suppliers and support feedback processes.
Procurement Systems and Reporting
- Learn to use financial and procurement software to raise and track orders.
- Support data entry and assist with producing basic reports (e.g. spend analysis).
- Help update procurement trackers, logs, and dashboards as required.
Tendering and Compliance
- Assist with low-value procurement exercises by compiling documentation and quotes.
- Support adherence to Trust procurement policies and national frameworks.
- Observe and learn about procurement legislation (e.g. Procurement Act 2023) and internal controls.
Communication and Collaboration
- Liaise with school-based staff to support procurement queries or routine purchases.
- Attend meetings with suppliers or internal departments as required, taking notes or preparing summaries.
- Help promote best value principles and sustainability in purchasing decisions.
Learning and Development
- Complete assigned apprenticeship training and tasks within agreed timeframes.
- Take part in professional development activities and shadow senior procurement staff.
- Keep up to date with developments in public sector procurement.
Where you'll work
Barnsley Business & Innovation Centre
Snydale Road, Cudworth
Barnsley
S72 8RP
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
BARNSLEY COLLEGE
Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
- Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
- Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
- Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
- Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
- Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
- Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
- Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.
Training schedule
Delivery to be completed on site and off the job training either at Barnsley College or your place of work. Student to complete a Business Administrator Level 3 Apprenticeship.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4)
- Maths (grade 4)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Team working
- Initiative
Other requirements
Satisfactory DBS check is required.
About this employer
Waterton Academy Trust is a thriving and values-led partnership of schools committed to giving every child the best possible start in life. We work across two key regions - Wakefield and Barnsley - and are proud to be seen as a trusted and collaborative presence within the wider education system.
https://www.watertonacademytrust.org/ (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
• Local Government Pension • School Advisory Service Membership • Discounted Gym Membership • Cycle to Work Scheme • Flexible Working Scheme
After this apprenticeship
This role is designed to be a long-term career pathway into public sector procurement. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, the candidate will have the opportunity to progress within the Trust. The Trust is committed to supporting professional development, including progression to a Level 4 or 5 CIPS qualification, with a view to developing a fully qualified procurement professional.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
BARNSLEY COLLEGE
Tracey Finch
apprenticeships@barnsley.ac.uk
01226216166
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000342118.
Apply now
Closes in 13 days (Monday 29 September 2025 at 11:59pm)
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