At SRSCC, we pride ourselves on nurturing the future leaders in procurement and supply chain management. Joe Spacagana, an apprentice at Manchester Airports Group, has been excelling in his Level 4 Commercial Procurement and Supply Chain Apprenticeship with us since December 2022. Joe’s dedication to his studies is evident in his perfect 100% pass rate in all his exams to date. This achievement reflects Joe’s hard work and the tools that the apprenticeship can equip apprentices with to thrive.
Recently, Joe undertook a significant initiative at MAG Airport Group aimed at enhancing their procurement efficiency by streamlining their supplier base, specifically in the area of plastic bags used across various departments. This task involved consolidating the purchases that were previously fragmented among different suppliers. Joe engaged in meticulous discussions and negotiations with existing suppliers, effectively standardizing the specifications of plastic bags to suit all departments’ needs. His proactive approach and negotiation skills led to impressive cost reductions, achieving £130,000 in financial savings.
Beyond the immediate cost benefits, Joe’s project had a broader impact on MAG’s environmental objectives. By opting for stronger, more durable plastic bags, he significantly reduced the need for double-bagging, particularly in waste management processes. This not only lessened the material use but also aligned with MAG’s commitment to sustainability and its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda. The introduction of these superior bags has led to a tangible decrease in plastic waste, contributing to MAG’s overall environmental targets.
Joe’s initiative also had a ripple effect across the wider network. He successfully implemented the use of enhanced security liquid bags at other airports within the MAG group, including MAN and EMA, extending the cost savings and environmental benefits across the company’s operations.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions and his dedication to continual personal and professional development, Joe was awarded the “Best of the Best” accolade for “Growing Every Day,” one of the core values at MAG. This award is not just a testament to Joe’s hard work and achievements but also underscores the vital role that well-supported apprentices like Joe play in driving significant advancements within their industries. This accolade serves both as recognition of his individual efforts and as inspiration to others in the field, demonstrating the profound impact that dedicated and skilled professionals can have on their organisations.
In conclusion, Joe’s application of his skills at the UK’s largest airport group demonstrates the significant impact that well-trained apprentices can have. His success underscores the potential of apprentices to influence industry practices and contribute to the strategic goals of their organisations.
Want to explore how SRSCC can develop you or your team through specialised procurement and supply chain training? Get in touch with a member of our team here.
