Procurement and Supply Assistant Apprenticeship Level 3
NCC OPERATIONS LIMITED
Bristol (BS16 7FS)
Closes in 18 days (Sunday 12 July 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 24 June 2026
Contents
Summary
Step into a career that’s been shaping the world since ancient times—now transformed into a fast-paced, high-impact role at the heart of every successful business. At NCC, you’ll build real skills in managing suppliers, supporting us to make smart buying decisions, and driving value across the organisation.
- Wage
-
£18,000 a year
- Training course
- Procurement and supply assistant (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday - Friday, (including study time). Times to be confirmed.
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 24 August 2026
- Duration
-
2 years
- 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
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
Where you'll work
NCC Bristol and Bath Science Park
Feynman Way Central Emersons Green
Bristol
BS16 7FS
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE AND STROUD COLLEGE
Training course
Procurement and supply assistant (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Monitor and order products, stock, equipment and services at appropriate times using the appropriate procurement method.
- Communicate to procurement's internal stakeholders, suppliers and other stakeholders in order to develop effective relationships and networks
- Create, maintain and amend purchase order and contract records.
- Interpret, evaluate and compare procurement information such as historical spend and usage using databases and spreadsheets.
- Present findings and data in all formats e.g. mathematically, written and oral.
- Determine value for money (VFM) and added value through the use of Total Cost of Ownership during the evaluation process, and apply the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT) criteria to the evaluation of quotes and tenders to support the recommendation at award. This may include the inclusion of green, low carbon, sustainability, and ethical criteria.
- Utilise relevant Procurement computer systems or internal databases.
- Select the supplier of the most appropriate products and services for purchases within their remit and place purchase order.
- Undertake appraisal of adhoc and low spend suppliers including setting them up on the purchasing system.
- Effectively research and analyse demand, spend, trends, potential suppliers and industries utilising qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Develop specifications of requirements and requests for quotes/tenders in line with organisational requirements.
- Apply considerations of responsible procurement in evaluating potential suppliers, quotes and tenders.
- Investigate and resolve purchase order, delivery and invoice queries.
- Own low risk value projects such as supply contracts for stationery, personal protective equipment (PPE) or other consumables, and contribute to higher risk activities such as contracts for building services or machinery, and track, log, expedite and review outstanding orders and stock availability where applicable.
- Maintain knowledge on all open orders and their status' and provide assistance to all purchasing staff e.g. expediting and feeding information back to the relevant stakeholders.
- Able to consider the impact of the decision making process when interacting with the supply chain.
- Able to support the contract negotiations and mini competitions with suppliers.
- Monitor and order products, stock, equipment and services at appropriate times using the appropriate procurement method.
- Communicate to procurement's internal stakeholders, suppliers and other stakeholders in order to develop effective relationships and networks
- Create, maintain and amend purchase order and contract records.
- Interpret, evaluate and compare procurement information such as historical spend and usage using databases and spreadsheets.
- Present findings and data in all formats e.g. mathematically, written and oral.
- Determine value for money (VFM) and added value through the use of Total Cost of Ownership during the evaluation process, and apply the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT) criteria to the evaluation of quotes and tenders to support the recommendation at award. This may include the inclusion of green, low carbon, sustainability, and ethical criteria.
- Utilise relevant Procurement computer systems or internal databases.
- Select the supplier of the most appropriate products and services for purchases within their remit and place purchase order.
- Undertake appraisal of adhoc and low spend suppliers including setting them up on the purchasing system.
- Effectively research and analyse demand, spend, trends, potential suppliers and industries utilising qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Develop specifications of requirements and requests for quotes/tenders in line with organisational requirements.
- Apply considerations of responsible procurement in evaluating potential suppliers, quotes and tenders.
- Investigate and resolve purchase order, delivery and invoice queries.
- Own low risk value projects such as supply contracts for stationery, personal protective equipment (PPE) or other consumables, and contribute to higher risk activities such as contracts for building services or machinery, and track, log, expedite and review outstanding orders and stock availability where applicable.
- Maintain knowledge on all open orders and their status' and provide assistance to all purchasing staff e.g. expediting and feeding information back to the relevant stakeholders.
- Able to consider the impact of the decision making process when interacting with the supply chain.
- Able to support the contract negotiations and mini competitions with suppliers.
Training schedule
The programme will be delivered at the Bristol Filton site (SGS College, Filton Campus).
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
More training information
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
- You will be required to attend learning at SGS College, Filton on a weekly basis, term time only
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
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.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 5)
- Maths (grade 5)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Number skills
- Team working
- Initiative
- Commitment to personal growth
- Enthusiasm
- Interest in business
Other requirements
Recruitment Process
Stage 1 - a screening call with SGS College to determine your eligibility for the apprenticeship and find out a little bit more about your motivation to join this apprenticeship.
Stage 2 – an interview at NCC (Emerson's Green, BS16 7FS) including a 20-minute situational 'test' and 30-minute interview in person on site on Monday 27th July.
Please let SGS College know if you are unable to attend the interview on Monday 27th of July as early as possible.
Good luck!
Other Requirements and Info:
The role is Hybrid - a mandatory 2 days a week in the office is expected.
We are based in Emersons Green.
About this employer
NCC offers a range of early career opportunities across the business, from engineering, manufacturing, design and operations through to finance and procurement, HR and communications. You will gain invaluable experience working on a wide variety of projects, and have access to some of the most experienced and knowledgeable engineering experts in their field.
https://www.nccuk.com/ (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
A supportive and dynamic work environment.
Guidance from a team of procurement professionals at various stages of their careers.
Generous holiday allowance.
Cycle to work scheme.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
- This is a great opportunity to begin a career in Purchasing/Procurement, with pathways into Finance or Project Management
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE AND STROUD COLLEGE
Suzi Fox
Suzi.Fox@nccuk.com
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000036067.
Apply now
Closes in 18 days (Sunday 12 July 2026 at 11:59pm)