Procurement & Supply Chain Apprentice Review

Managing stakeholders; managing contracts and suppliers; dealing with email queries and providing procurement advice; engaging with senior management to update on actions and escalate specific issues; issuing RFQs to suppliers and interrogating SAP; preparing presentations and arranging / chairing meetings; work within procurement as a supportive service to the business (TfL)

Developed my presentation skills over the past 18 months; stakeholder management and people skills; contract management skills; contract writing and analysis skills; developed a keen eye for detail; opportunity to develop Microsoft Office skills i.e. Word, Excel, Powerpoint; Understanding of e-procurement tools; the procurement cycle; negotiation; SAP; ProContract; developing specifications

I think the opportunity to develop on the programme and the opportunity to gain a qualification at the same time is invaluable. The issue I face is that Apprentices are dealt with as less capable than grads and how internal policy works, I am not guaranteed a role at the end of my scheme and will need to apply as an external candidate.

The programme is relatively straight forwards, however there does appear to be an issue with inconsistent documentation being dealt with internally and a lack of learning if you complete the scheme early. There is also no clear way to become a permanent employee and it creates significant issues when trying to roll off.

From my day-to-day managers I receive a significant amount of support who is good at pushing me, providing worthwhile work and boosting my profile internally. However, from HR and senior leadership there appears to be no support from Apprentices, which are more focused on transformation and not on developing individuals within.

My training provided did the absolute minimum required under contract. Fortnightly sessions to run through content, however it was very rushed and the college did not have adequate experience In the new framework set up by the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply Chain. A definite thing to work on in the future.

My qualification provides a strong framework to base skills off. However, as expected there are stark differences between theory and practice. There is a benefit for employability and the ability to utilise my knowledge whilst working makes it more applicable. As a result, it is more relevant and as it is practiced it is less easily forgotten.

There are a few clubs which are set-up by the employees. These aren't things that I would want to get involved with personally but the range of clubs is encouraging per area which inspires a good working relationship with colleagues and a push to remain social outside of work.

Yes

On the whole, Transport for London provides a good basis and framework to learn and develop. It also looks amazing on a CV. However, this is in the short term. In the long-term I wouldn't recommend TfL as there are systemic failures which leads to the underdevelopment of past grads and apprentices.

I would recommend to read the behaviours for an interview! They account for half of the marks and are crucial when applying. Also, never be afraid to ask questions and if there is anything which sounds of interest to you, get involved! So long as you have a strong competency basis you should be fine.