For procurement professionals working in the public sector, combining practical, on-the-job experience with formal apprenticeship training is one of the most effective routes to career progression.
Reece Evans-Timlin’s recent promotion from Band 4 to Band 5 Assistant Contracts Manager at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust is a perfect example of this in action. Over an intensive 18-month structured development programme, Reece partnered his daily responsibilities with rigorous apprenticeship training, resulting in a well-deserved promotion and a measurable commercial impact on the Trust.
Here is a look at Reece’s journey, demonstrating how structured procurement apprenticeships translate into real-world value.
Building Foundations: From Level 3 to Level 4 Apprenticeships
A core component of Reece’s 18-month development programme was the integration of formal apprenticeship training. Achieving specific competencies was a prerequisite for his promotion, requiring a seamless balance of academic learning and workplace application.
Reece began his journey by successfully completing his Level 3 Procurement Apprenticeship. Building on that strong foundation, he is now actively progressing through his Level 4 programme, which includes completing advanced CIPS Level 4 modules and examinations.
“By successfully delivering the objectives set within my Development Plan, I have strengthened both my technical procurement knowledge and my ability to operate effectively within my role as Assistant Contracts Manager,” Reece explains.
His studies have also deepened his understanding of public sector procurement, contract management, commercial awareness and procurement legislation.
Delivering Real Value to the Trust
Academic knowledge is only as valuable as its practical application. Alongside his apprenticeship development, Reece took on increasing levels of responsibility, leading and supporting a wide range of procurement activities that directly benefited Stockport NHS Foundation Trust.
During his development programme, Reece’s key milestones included:
- Leading Tenders: Undertaking tenders up to the Upper Tender Threshold value.
- Strategic Support: Assisting senior colleagues with complex, above-threshold procurement exercises.
- Ensuring Governance: Coordinating the preparation of Tender Recommendation Reports, ensuring strict alignment with the Trust’s Standing Financial Instructions and Standing Orders.
- Advising Clinicians and Stakeholders: Providing procurement and contractual advice across the Trust, and working closely with clinical and operational divisions to deliver cost-saving initiatives while maintaining compliance, quality and continuity of service.
Are you looking to upskill your procurement team to handle complex, above-threshold tenders?
Driving Collaborative Procurement and Savings
Public sector procurement relies heavily on collaboration and efficiency. Reece put his growing commercial awareness to work, building strong working relationships with key NHS framework providers.
This networking enabled him to identify collaborative procurement opportunities with other Greater Manchester (GM) Trusts, tapping into wider market expertise. By championing the effective use of the Trust’s purchasing catalogue, Reece supported vital product standardisation and rationalisation initiatives.
The result? Increased contract coverage, assured best value, and a direct contribution toward the Trust’s broader cost-saving targets.
A Blueprint for Procurement Progression
Reece’s 18-month journey highlights exactly why structured apprenticeship programmes work.
“Collectively, these achievements have strengthened my capability as an Assistant Contracts Manager, enhanced my commercial and contractual expertise, and increased my contribution towards the strategic and operational objectives of the Procurement Department and the wider Trust,” Reece concludes.
We are incredibly proud of Reece’s hard work, dedication, and the tangible impact he is making within the NHS. His success is a testament to the power of combining ambitious on-the-job experience with industry-leading apprenticeship training.
Ready to take the next step in your procurement career, or looking to develop future leaders within your organisation?
Whether you are interested in starting a Level 3 Apprenticeship or advancing to Level 4, we can help you utilise apprenticeship funding to achieve your goals.
