From Level 3 Apprentice to SRSCC 2025 Apprentice of the Year: Marcus Dodd’s Journey
During National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we were proud to recognise Marcus Dodd as SRSCC’s 2025 Apprentice of the Year, alongside receiving our Outstanding Team Player Award.
Marcus’s journey is a powerful example of what can be achieved through commitment, progression, and the practical application of apprenticeship learning in the workplace.
Starting the Journey: Level 3 Foundations
Marcus began his apprenticeship journey with SRSCC on the Level 3 Procurement and Supply programme. From the outset, he demonstrated a strong appetite for learning, quickly building solid technical foundations and professional confidence.
Following his success at Level 3, Marcus progressed onto the Level 4 Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner apprenticeship — where his development accelerated even further.
Exceptional Academic and Professional Performance
Marcus has consistently exceeded expectations across every aspect of his apprenticeship.
His academic results have been outstanding, achieving high scores across his CIPS Level 4 units, including:
- 92% in L4M4
- 88% in L4M6
He has also completed over 720 off-the-job learning hours, significantly exceeding the required 491 hours. His early preparation for End Point Assessment — including independently producing a comprehensive portfolio mapping document and project presentation — was described by his assessor as “head of the game” and “really impressive”.
However, Marcus’s impact extends far beyond academic achievement.
Delivering Real-World Impact at Cumbria Constabulary
Working within Cumbria Constabulary, Marcus has led high-value procurement activity across multiple categories, including Estates, Fleet, Digital, and Fire Service–specific contracts.
He has also:
Strengthened governance and compliance frameworks across a range of contracts
Enhanced procurement processes through effective use of e-tendering platforms and reporting tools
Reviewed and improved contractual arrangements to ensure best value and robust oversight
Led procurement process mapping initiatives to support organisational change
Marcus consistently operates beyond the expectations of his role, regularly mentoring colleagues, including Senior Commercial Officers and new team members.
A Team Effort
Marcus’s success reflects both his personal commitment and the strong support network around him.
His Line Manager, Bridget Whitfield, and SRSCC Progress Mentor, Simon Abram, have played key roles in supporting his development. We were also honoured to have the Assistant Chief Constable join us in congratulating Marcus when we surprised him with his awards — alongside his team, who were fully involved in the celebration.
Leadership, Professionalism and Community Impact
What sets Marcus apart is not just his technical capability, but his professionalism and character.
He is described as reliable, enthusiastic and highly professional. He demonstrates resilience under pressure, reflective practice, and a genuine commitment to excellence.
Beyond his role, Marcus volunteers at a local food bank, where he has applied his procurement expertise to improve stock management and supplier relationships — extending the impact of his apprenticeship learning into the wider community.
What #SkillsForLife Looks Like
Marcus exemplifies the very best of the apprenticeship model.
His journey from Level 3 apprentice to Apprentice of the Year demonstrates how structured learning, workplace application, and professional support combine to create confident, capable procurement professionals.
He does not simply meet expectations — he consistently exceeds them.
We are incredibly proud of Marcus and look forward to seeing his continued progression as he builds on this outstanding achievement.
Develop Procurement Talent in Your Organisation
At SRSCC, we support public and private sector employers in building confident, commercially capable procurement professionals through fully funded apprenticeship programmes.
If you would like to explore how a procurement apprenticeship could strengthen your team, contact us today.
