Supply Chain Apprentice
HARSCO RAIL LIMITED
Unit 1 Chewton St, Eastwood, Nottingham NG16 3HB (NG16 3HB)
Closes in 19 days (Monday 30 November 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 11 November 2026
Contents
Summary
The successful applicant will be undergoing training and development to become a buyer within our organisation. Additionally, as an apprentice, you will have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in the field, develop a strong understanding of supply chain principles, and gain practical experience.
- Wage
-
£17,000 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
The yearly salary is between £17,000 - £24,454 depending on age and experience.
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday to Thursday 8am-16:15pm
Friday 8am-14:00pm
37 hours a week
- Start date
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Monday 11 January 2027
- Duration
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1 year 6 months
- Positions available
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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
- Completing training programs, coursework, and on-the-job learning to develop essential supply chain skills and competencies.
- Assist in sourcing and selecting suppliers. Research potential suppliers, obtain quotes, negotiation and assess supplier capabilities to support the purchasing process.
- Purchase order processing. Assist in creating purchase orders, ensuring accuracy of details, and following up on order status to ensure timely delivery.
- Supporting supplier quality activities such as corrective action completion, NCRs, quarantine and inspections.
- Data management in the MRP system including new part set up, Bill of Material (BoM) maintenance, Distribution Planning and Stock / Non-stock booking in.
- Liaising with suppliers for periodic data reviews and maintaining due diligence, code of conduct and insurance records through developing and maintaining a database.
- Monitoring and tracking the use of special tools that are required to be maintained and calibrated utilising our quality management system Q-Pulse.
- Support the supply chain team with audit preparation and filing.
- Expediting critical components and overdue purchase orders, provide regular feedback on supply and stock issues to stakeholders
- Document control/records management maintenance using a database.
- Support the supply chain team with cycle counting, stock adjustment processing, and identifying, reporting and resolving system discrepancies relating to stock movements.
- Attending meetings as and when required. A full UK driving licence is required, as this role involves attending and working across multiple site locations.
- Any other reasonable tasks.
Health, Safety & Environmental Responsibilities
- To take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and other persons who may be affected by your acts and omissions at work.
- Contribute to the delivery of company occupational health and welfare, safety and environmental improvement plans.
- Only undertake work for which you have been trained and (if required) certified competent.
- To comply with Risk Assessments, method statements and safe systems of work.
- Maintain and utilise all PPE provided by the employer.
- Co-operate with your employer on health, safety and environment.
Make safe any unsafe conditions where practical and challenge unsafe work practices. - Inform your line manager, supervisor or health and safety representative of any unsafe occurrences.
- Report all, and assist with investigating relevant accidents, incidents and near misses.
Where you'll work
Unit 1 Chewton St, Eastwood, Nottingham NG16 3HB
NG16 3HB
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
DERBY 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
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4/C or above or equivalent)
- Maths (grade 4/C or above or equivalent)
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
- Presentation skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Ability to prioritise
- Willing to learn
About this employer
Harsco Rail, a worldwide division of Enviri Corporation, is a technological and innovative global supplier of railway track Maintenance of Way (MoW) products and services with over 100 years of operations. Harsco Rail provides expert engineering, vehicles and equipment, innovative technology, safety technology, dedicated parts and services, contracting services, and quality maintenance from nine main locations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, India, Brazil, China, and Australia.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
The Apprentice is an entry-level procurement role who will be undergoing training and development to become a proficient buyer within our organisation.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
DERBY COLLEGE
Ali Harrison
ali.harrison@derby-college.ac.uk
01332 387420
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000062234.
Apply now
Closes in 19 days (Monday 30 November 2026 at 11:59pm)