In today’s competitive job market, finding experienced procurement and supply professionals can feel difficult. Many organisations are realising that the most sustainable way to build capability isn’t to hire ready-made talent, it’s to grow it from within your business.
Developing your employees through structured training programmes, such as the Level 3 Procurement and Supply Assistant Apprenticeship, not only fills critical skills gaps but also strengthens your team and business for the future.
Building Skills That Fit Your Organisation
Recruiting externally can be costly and time-consuming, and even then, there’s no guarantee a new hire will fit your company culture or processes.
By contrast, developing existing employees or hiring new apprentices who learn within your organisation ensures that skills are built around your specific needs, systems, and values.
Apprentices trained through SRSCC don’t just learn procurement theory; they gain practical experience aligned to your business objectives, supplier relationships, and compliance requirements.
Closing the Procurement Skills Gap
Organisations need people who can balance commercial awareness with analytical thinking and ethical decision-making, qualities that take time and experience to develop.
Apprenticeships offer a structured, sustainable way to build those core capabilities. The Level 3 Procurement and Supply Assistant Apprenticeship helps new and existing employees gain the essential knowledge, behaviours, and practical experience needed to contribute effectively to every stage of the procurement cycle.
By nurturing these skills in-house, businesses create a stronger, more resilient procurement function and ensure a steady pipeline of talent ready to step into future roles such as Buyer, Procurement Officer, or Category Manager.
Improving Retention and Engagement
When employees see that their organisation invests in their development, they are more likely to give their loyalty and feel more motivated at work.
Apprenticeships show a clear commitment to professional growth, giving employees a sense of progression and purpose. Businesses that develop their people typically see higher retention rates, reduced recruitment costs, and improved morale across teams.
Maximising the Apprenticeship Levy
For levy-paying organisations, developing internal talent through apprenticeships is also the most effective way to utilise funds you’re already contributing.
The Level 3 Procurement and Supply Assistant Apprenticeship is levy-funded (£6,000 per apprentice) and includes the CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate, meaning employers gain both a qualified professional and a stronger, more capable team.
Non-levy employers can also benefit from 95% government co-funding, making apprenticeships an accessible and cost-effective training option.
Strengthening Your Future Workforce
Succession planning is more than filling roles; it’s about ensuring that your organisation continues to operate efficiently, ethically, and strategically as it grows.
By training procurement apprentices now, businesses secure the talent needed for the future. Many of our learners progress from the Level 3 Procurement and Supply Assistant Apprenticeship to the Level 4 Commercial Procurement and Supply Apprenticeship, ultimately working towards MCIPS and Chartered Procurement Professional status.
That’s a career pathway that keeps employees inspired and businesses competitive.
Invest in an Apprentice and Your Business
With the right apprenticeship programme and support, you can develop confident, qualified professionals who understand your business, your stakeholders, and your supply chain inside out. We specialise in helping organisations build their procurement capability through CIPS-accredited apprenticeships, combining flexibility, quality, and real-world expertise.
Ready to Grow Your Own Procurement Talent?
Find out how the Level 3 Procurement and Supply Assistant Apprenticeship can strengthen your business.
