Job Information
Procurement Apprentice
This apprenticeship will last for a duration of 44 months. The training is delivered by SR Training on behalf of NEPO, and you will be required to attend training at the Northern Design Centre in Gateshead, NE8 3DF.
Have you considered a career in procurement?
It’s a fantastic choice, with continuous professional development, varied and rewarding work, as well as great career prospects! With our procurement apprenticeship, you will benefit from a structured learning programme, get hands-on experience and earn a salary.
What You’ll Do:
You will work as part of our team of procurement professionals, focused on the development and delivery of procurement solutions for the Council, whilst also developing key skills and knowledge through a combination of real-world experience and dedicated training.
You will support the Procurement Business Partners with the development of procurement projects to help the Service achieve its strategic objectives. You will work as part of our team of procurement professionals, focussed on the development and delivery of procurement solutions, whilst also developing key skills and knowledge through a combination of real-world experience and dedicated training. The role is diverse and your responsibilities will increase as progress is made through your apprenticeship.
You will undertake the following qualifications via hybrid training, taking you from a Level 4 qualification, right through to Level 6 MCIPS status:
•Level 4 Commercial Procurement and Supply
•CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply
•Level 6 Senior Procurement Supply Chain Professional
What We’re Looking For:
We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who is eager to learn and expand their knowledge and skills through hands-on experience.
You will be part of a community of region-wide apprentices. Whilst the regional programme is new, nurturing talent isn’t new to us, so you’ll be in safe hands!
You will be provided with all the training and support you need to be a success. We are looking for someone with the following qualifications, personal attributes, skills and behaviours:
- Minimum of 5 GCSEs (obtained) which must include English Language and Maths at Grade C / 4 or above
- 3 A-levels (or equivalent qualification) with UCAS points of 120 (Predicted or Obtained) (Not sure what your UCAS points are? A calculator is available here)
- Communication skills - listening, spoken and written.
- ICT Skills - Microsoft Office (Word & Excel)
- Team player who is not afraid to try something new
- Commitment to own personal and professional development
Background on department
The Corporate Commissioning and Procurement Service is responsible for ensuring that all Council expenditure on goods and services achieves value for money for the County and our residents. The Service is currently implementing a number of important strategic change initiatives that will be fundamental to the successful delivery of BEST commissioning and procurement across the Council and with wider stakeholders and voluntary organisations.
Why Join Us?
- Gain a recognised qualification while you work.
- Be part of a supportive team passionate about delivering excellent services.
- Enjoy a clear pathway for career development within the Council.
- Access to a range of benefits including hybrid working
Location
Hybrid role. One day in County Hall, Morpeth per week plus attend training at Northern Design Centre in Gateshead
Salary
Band 3 (£24,790)
Contract Type
Fixed Term September 2025 to May 2029 (44 months)
Selection Process
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to take part in an online written assessment* (which you can do from home).
(*Don’t worry if you do not have a suitable device at home, just let us know when we invite you to the assessment and we can arrange for you to do it at our office).
We’ll then invite successful applicants to interview at the Council’s offices at County Hall, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 2EF.
NCC INFO AND BENEFITS
Why choose us?
We have some outstanding benefits to offer you, including:
- 26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part-time employees)
- Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexi scheme (if applicable) – up to 2 days flexible leave available per month (pro rata for part-time employees)
- Local government discount schemes available to all employees with offers at local businesses along with various national brands
- Commitment to work/life balance offering flexibility through various schemes including job sharing, flexible working, term-time only, and compressed hours
- A range of salary sacrifice schemes are available
- Staff networks - run by staff, for staff, providing opportunities for peer networking, mutual support, staff development e.g. Apprenticeship, Armed Forces, ASD, Enable (disability), LGBT+, Menopause, Mental Wellbeing, Racial Equality
Further information
For guidance on completing your application and for information about our Equality and Diversity principles, please see the attached guidance notes here.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. If you wish to notify us of your eligibility for this scheme, please email hrrecruitment@northumberland.gov.uk or ring 01670 623930 with your name and the job title you have applied for and one of the recruitment team will ensure this is factored into the shortlisting process and kept anonymous. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format, please see the alternative methods below. This information will be treated as confidential and will only be used to check that you meet the essential requirements of the post.
Alternative application format:
British Sign Language: northumberlandcc-cs.signvideo.net
For those with speech difficulties or hearing loss: Text relay service dial 018001 01670 623930
Although we advertise on North East Jobs, and other websites, your application process will be directed to our Tribepad system. Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered on Tribepad, including your invite to interview if you are shortlisted. Please check your emails regularly, including Spam/Junk, after the closing dates for notifications.
