Purchasing Assistant Apprentice
TANFIELD ENGINEERING SYSTEMS LIMITED
Co Durham (DH9 9NX)
Closes in 13 days (Friday 28 August 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 14 August 2026
Contents
Summary
A critical role in the company. Reporting directly to the Purchasing Manager the role undertakes a large amount of administration to facilitate the smooth running of production. From inputting sales orders, associated purchasing required for materials to invoicing goods when despatched.
- Wage
-
£15,392 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 - Thursday, 8.00am until 4.30pm.
Friday, 8.00am until 1.00pm.
37 hour working week, with an additional 30 minute unpaid lunch break.
37 hours a week
- Start date
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Tuesday 1 September 2026
- 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
- Raising delivery paperwork / invoices daily using bespoke system Raising corresponding barcodes for despatch area
- Updating spreadsheets with invoicing information and checking against Sales Report
- Updating Stocks spreadsheet and topping up consumables as required
- Answering and transferring phone calls
- Analysing clockings/overtime hours report and sending information out to colleagues
- Booking customer delivery slots and updating spreadsheets
- Using Customers internet portals to access data, book transport, input invoices etc.
- Ensuring both sales and delivery paperwork is filed accurately
- Dealing with discrepancies/credit notes and updating spreadsheets as required
- Assisting with collating information for accounts
- Liaising with supplier for current prices / lead times
- Booking in PO's from supplier delivery notes
- Updating and maintaining stock spreadsheet daily from stores stock lists and supplier delivery notes
- Raising PO's and outstanding reports, expediting goods with suppliers, updating internal systems with new delivery dates
- Highlighting low PPE/Consumables/Cleaning stocks, reordering as necessary
- Filing paperwork, advising accounts of any PPE wages deductions Ability to recognise and locate stock in stores, counting consumable parts with the storeman
- Other admin / Purchasing tasks as required
- HR duties, processing holidays, sickness reporting, HR letters – confidentiality required
Where you'll work
Tanfield Engineering Systems Tanfield Lea Industrial Estate Stanley
Co Durham
DH9 9NX
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
DERWENTSIDE 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
The apprenticeship will be fully delivered within the workplace.
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
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
About this employer
Tanfield Engineering Systems is a British engineering and manufacturing company based at the Tanfield Lea Industrial Estate in Stanley, County Durham. Established with a long history in the region, the firm specializes in metal fabrication, CNC machining, welding, turret punching, and producing bespoke industrial components and assemblies.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
There may be the possibility to progress in training following successfully completing the apprenticeship.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
DERWENTSIDE COLLEGE
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000048391.
Apply now
Closes in 13 days (Friday 28 August 2026 at 11:59pm)