Procurement and Supply Assistant Level 3

Procurement and Supply professionals play a key role in sourcing and purchasing goods and services that support effective business operations. This programme combines the Level 3 Procurement and Supply Apprenticeship with the CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations, helping employers develop capable professionals already working in procurement-related roles who collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders, including suppliers.

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Procurement and Supply Assistant Level 3

Overview

KSBs

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Course Overview

We offer both Level 3 and Level 4 Apprenticeships with embedded qualifications from The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), formerly the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply. CIPS is a global professional body working for the procurement and supply profession in many regions of the world.

Procurement is essential for any business because it involves sourcing and purchasing goods and services that the company needs to operate. Effective procurement ensures that organisations get the best value for money, maintain smooth operations, and can deliver quality products or services to their customers. Professionals in procurement play a direct role in managing a company’s expenses by negotiating better deals, optimising supply chains, and finding cost-effective suppliers. This helps in saving money, improving profitability, and maintaining competitiveness. Procurement is no longer just about buying goods and services. It has become a strategic function that directly impacts an organisation’s overall performance. A well-run procurement function can improve supply chain resilience, enhance innovation, and support long-term organisational goals. Studying procurement can open doors to diverse career opportunities, develop valuable business skills, and make you a key player in helping organisations optimise resources and achieve their goals.

Additional fees – please note these cannot be paid from Levy funds. A valid membership is required for learners to submit assignments and sit exams. Latest prices as July 2025, please visit CIPS Membership for full details. Information on study guides are also available.

Cost to Employer (£)	Payment Terms
Student Membership £199	Direct with CIPS
Level 3 – 5 books £29 each	Direct with CIPS

13 months + EPA

Once an apprentice has completed their apprenticeship, they will be ‘signed off’ by their employer/ provider as ready for end-point assessment of their knowledge and practical capabilities. In most cases, the assessment will be graded and must show the apprentice is fully competent and productive in the occupation. This is conducted by an external independent body.

End Point Assessment consists of:

Work based project submission
Presentation; question and answer session based on your work based project
Interview
Portfolio of evidence

Fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy or 95% government-funded for eligible employers, with minimal contribution required. Additional costs include CIPS Student membership and optional study guides. – please see the course overview section for full details.

Candidates should already be working within a Procurement & Supply related role and be interacting with their procurement team as well as colleagues from other internal departments and external stakeholders such as suppliers. Employers may also provide additional entry criteria.

CIPS membership required to commence apprenticeship.
Candidates must be over 18.

Learners aged 18 who do not have exemptions will still be required to achieve Level 2 Functional Skills.

Learners over 19 will have the option to either opt in or out of Functional Skills training and examinations. For those who choose to opt out, Fareport remains committed to supporting all learners in developing their literacy and numeracy skills by embedding these essential topics within the curriculum and assessments of the apprenticeship.

To be eligible for this Apprenticeship you (or the apprentice) must:

Be living and working in England
Be 18 years old or above
Have the legal right to work in the UK
Have maintained UK residency for the last 3 years
Be employed in a real job; they may be an existing employee or a new hire
Work towards achieving an approved apprenticeship standard or framework
Work at least 30 hours a week
Be able to commit to the apprenticeship and its requirements
Not hold a prior qualification at the same or higher level in the same subject area
Not undertake or benefit from DfE funding during their apprenticeship programme, including Student Loans.
Have apprenticeship training and employment that lasts at least 12 months.

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Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours

Knowledge (K) – The theoretical understanding an apprentice needs to perform their role effectively. This includes industry-specific principles, regulations, and best practices.

K1: The role of Procurement within the organisation and the relevant organisational procurement regulations, policies and processes which must be followed, such as, procedures for obtaining quotes and tenders, purchase order processing and purchase to pay.
K2: Value for money concepts including the balancing of quality, price and sustainable considerations or most economically advantageous tender (meat), whole lifecycle costing, 5 rights of procurement and added value opportunities.
K3: Supplier approval process and the importance of due diligence checks including legal entity checks, financial appraisal, quality checks and relevant sector approvals, certification and policies.
K4: Demand and spend management, analysis and forecasting techniques including quantitative methods such as historical usage, spend and trend analysis, inventory records and re-order levels or qualitative techniques based on stakeholders estimates using internal databases and spreadsheets.
K5: The importance of developing and managing key stakeholder relationships such as the internal customer and supplier and the need for prompt and effective communication to support efficient and effective procurement.
K6: The need for accurate specifications of requirements which reflect the organisations needs and provides equality of opportunity for suppliers when providing quotes and tenders.
K7: Levels of authority and autonomy both for self and other internal stakeholders and how that relates to the relevant procurement procedure and when issues should be escalated to senior procurement colleagues.
K8: Development and evaluation of requests for quotes and tenders and use of appropriate terms, conditions and templates
K9: The importance of maintaining accurate records and files for procurement in line with organisational and regulatory requirements and for audit purposes.
K10: Effective and appropriate communication methods according to organisational requirements, service level agreements and the degree of risk involved and appropriate to the task required e.g. expediting supplies, resolving invoice queries and supplier review meetings.
K11: Responsible procurement practices, in making procurement decisions, consideration of the impact of those decisions during the full procurement process on the environment (the circumstances, objects, or conditions by which they operate in) and social (people or groups they work with) elements across the supply chain. This may include the sustainability impacts of procurement and supply decisions on both upstream supply chain and the use of materials, products or applications over the lifetime.
K12: Research methods for Procurement including market, supplier and sector research which may include subscription databases, market reports, internet research, trade bodies, press and events, use of market ‘experts’, supplier engagement events etc.
K13: The legal and regulatory environment effecting procurement, including the supply of goods and services act and/or public contract regulations.
K14: Awareness of the organisation’s contractual obligations towards suppliers e.g. payment terms
K15: Understand the 4 processes of negotiation (preparation, opening, bargaining and closure).

More information on the Standard is available here.

Skills (S) – The practical abilities developed through training and hands-on experience. These are the technical and transferable skills required for the job.

S1: Monitor and order products, stock, equipment and services at appropriate times using the appropriate procurement method.
S2: Communicate to procurement’s internal stakeholders, suppliers and other stakeholders in order to develop effective relationships and networks
S3: Create, maintain and amend purchase order and contract records.
S4: Interpret, evaluate and compare procurement information such as historical spend and usage using databases and spreadsheets.
S5: Present findings and data in all formats e.g. mathematically, written and oral.
S6: 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.
S7: Utilise relevant Procurement computer systems or internal databases.
S8: Select the supplier of the most appropriate products and services for purchases within their remit and place purchase order.
S9: Undertake appraisal of adhoc and low spend suppliers including setting them up on the purchasing system.
S10: Effectively research and analyse demand, spend, trends, potential suppliers and industries utilising qualitative and quantitative methods.
S11: Develop specifications of requirements and requests for quotes/tenders in line with organisational requirements.
S12: Apply considerations of responsible procurement in evaluating potential suppliers, quotes and tenders.
S13: Investigate and resolve purchase order, delivery and invoice queries.
S14: 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.
S15: 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.
S16: Able to consider the impact of the decision making process when interacting with the supply chain.
S17: Able to support the contract negotiations and mini competitions with suppliers.

Behaviours (B) – The professional attitudes and values expected in the workplace. These include teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, and ethical responsibility.

B1: Be open to change, amend working practices in response to changes in process with a positive attitude.
B2: Establish strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
B3: Be open, honest, respectful and reliable..
B4: Be enthusiastic and passionate when adhering to company values and engaging in your personal development
B5: Be attentive to the detail in any procurement and negotiation activity.
B6: Be professional, impartial and unbiased in your communication, advice and recommendations to procurement stakeholders or colleagues.
B7: Be self-motivated to develop and learn.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Off-the-job training is a mandatory requirement for all apprenticeships in the UK. It ensures that apprentices develop the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) outlined in their apprenticeship standard, beyond their day-to-day work duties.

How Much Off-the-Job Training is Required?
Apprentices must spend the equivalent of 6 hours per week on off-the-job training, which must take place during their normal working hours. This structured learning approach is designed to enhance their professional development and directly relate to their apprenticeship programme.

What Activities Count as Off-the-Job Training?
Off-the-job training can be delivered in various ways, including:
✔ Training sessions with Fareport – workshops, workbooks, online learning, and assignments
✔ Employer-led training – mentoring, job shadowing, and workplace projects
✔ Industry-related learning – attending relevant seminars, courses, or training events

This training can take place at the apprentice’s usual workplace or offsite, but it must always be completed within their normal working hours.

How is Off-the-Job Training Planned?
At Fareport Training, we work closely with employers and apprentices to plan and document off-the-job training within the Training Agreement. This ensures a structured learning journey that aligns with business needs while meeting apprenticeship requirements.

By dedicating time to off-the-job training, apprentices gain valuable knowledge and experience, helping them develop professionally and contribute more effectively to their workplace.

Fareport Training is an Ofsted ‘Good’ work-based training provider, delivering apprenticeships and commercial training to employers aiming to enhance their workforce’s skills and qualifications (indeed.com).

Established in 1981, Fareport has a longstanding reputation for high-quality training across various sectors.

Benefits of Partnering with Fareport:

Enhanced Skills and Productivity: Employers have reported that apprenticeships through Fareport help develop relevant skills, improve productivity, and enhance the quality of products or services.

Comprehensive Support: Fareport collaborates closely with employers to design high-quality teaching sessions tailored to business requirements, ensuring that apprentices gain substantial new knowledge, skills, and behaviors applicable to their roles (files.ofsted.gov.uk).

Employee Development and Retention: By investing in apprenticeships, employers can grow their own talent, leading to improved employee morale and loyalty.

Collaborating with Fareport Training enables organisations to effectively upskill their workforce, fostering growth and maintaining a competitive edge in their respective industries.

Yes, Fareport Training operate across all of England. You can undertake your training at your workplace and live online with our trainers.

An apprenticeship in the UK is a paid position that combines practical on-the-job training with academic learning, leading to nationally recognised qualifications. Typically, apprentices spend around 20% of their working hours on classroom, 1-2-1 or individual learning, while the remainder is dedicated to hands-on work experience. This structure allows individuals to earn a salary while gaining valuable skills and credentials in their chosen field. Apprenticeships are for new employees as well as existing employees.

As of November 2025, the UK apprentice minimum wage is £7.55 per hour for apprentices under 19 or in their first year.

Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either:

Aged under 19
Aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship

Apprentices are entitled to the minimum wage for their age if they both aged 19 or over and have completed the first year of their apprenticeship.

No, you are only eligible to study our courses if you are living or working in England and meet all our eligibility criteria.

A career in procurement and supply in the UK offers diverse opportunities across various industries, focusing on sourcing goods and services to meet organisational needs. Professionals in this field are responsible for negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring cost-effective purchasing strategies. The sector is experiencing significant demand, with many organisations actively seeking procurement specialists (Reed).
Salaries in procurement and supply vary based on experience and position. Entry-level roles, such as purchasing administrators, typically start around £19,000 per year. With experience, purchasing managers can earn between £40,000 and £55,000, while senior positions like procurement directors can command salaries up to £120,000.
These figures indicate a promising financial outlook within the field. For individuals with strong negotiation, analytical, and organisational skills, pursuing a career in procurement and supply can be both rewarding and offer substantial career growth opportunities.

Apprenticeships in the UK offer a multitude of benefits for both individuals and employers.

For Individuals:
Earning While Learning: Apprentices receive a salary during their training, allowing them to gain work experience without incurring student debt (Moneyhelper).
Nationally Recognised Qualifications: Completing an apprenticeship provides credentials that are respected across industries, enhancing employability (MKCollege.ac.uk).
Practical Experience: Apprentices develop hands-on skills in real-world settings, making them valuable assets to employers (Apprenticeships.gov.uk).
Career Advancement: Many apprentices secure permanent positions post-training, with opportunities for further education and career progression (MKCollege.ac.uk).

For Employers:
Cost-Effective Recruitment: Apprenticeships can reduce hiring expenses by developing talent internally (FDMGroup.com).
Enhanced Employee Retention: Investing in apprenticeships often leads to higher staff loyalty and job satisfaction (Apprenticeships.gov.uk).
Addressing Skill Shortages: Tailored training ensures employees possess skills aligned with business needs (FDMGroup.com).
Diversity and Inclusion: Apprenticeships promote a varied workforce, enriching company culture and perspectives (Apprenticeships.gov.uk).

Overall, apprenticeships serve as a strategic approach to workforce development, benefiting both the apprentice and the employer.

Why Learn with Fareport Training?

Established in 1983, we’ve been helping people & businesses grow for over 40 years.

40+ Years’ Experience

Ranked in the top 25% of training providers inspected in England by Ofsted. Trusted by employers, councils & learners alike for over 40 years.

Expert Trainers

Our trainers are highly experienced professionals who bring real subject-based knowledge & skills to every session.

Career Support

We don’t just train you – with some of our courses we help you find work with CV support, interview coaching, and employer connections.

Course Reviews

Working with Fareport has been great. Their professionalism and strong communication have made apprentices feel supported. Trainers are always willing to help, and the detailed sessions and monthly check-ins have boosted confidence.

Fareport Training is responsive, supportive, and communicative, guiding our employees to success. Their flexibility, consistent coaching, and regular updates to managers set them apart. I highly recommend Fareport to all employers.

Assessors have been tremendous. It was the first time we had apprentices and the support has been amazing and they have helped me to help my staff. Fareport has allowed me to support my colleagues with all the training right from the start.

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