Commercial Procurement Apprentice Review

My role is to deal with internal and external stakeholders, I ensure that i procure services or whatever the need is and make sure i get value for money i what i buy. I create the different types of documentation that form part of a tender, including Invitation to tenders, technical and commercial documents and the contract.

Yes! i have learnt many new skills from basic office skills, stakeholder engagement, excel skills, communication skills from verbal to emails and learning which tone to use dependent on the type of conversation, ive learnt to host meetings and produce agendas for the stakeholders involved during the meeting. I also have learnt the importance of being organised during a office based role so i know what i need to complete during the working day.

I have thoroughly and am currently enjoying my programme and apprenticeship. I have learnt so many new transferable skills that I will use for the future of my career, that I can adapt to different work situations. I also am thrilled to have achieved my cips level 4 diploma which will also help with my future within procurement.

My programme is very structured. I have 4 working days a week and a study release day that i focus on working towards my cips diploma, now i have passed all exams i still have a study day to work on my project report and presentation and questioning assessment which once completed will be the final part of my apprenticeship.

I receive constant support, I have a placement manager and a line manager who i can approach whenever needed. I also have a dedicated tutor at the college who helps with any college related queries or questions I have to do with college work. Overall, i am very satisfied with the support given.

My training provider has given lots of support during my apprenticeship programme, this includes regular catch ups and check ins to see how my work/exams are progressing. I have a dedicated tutor who is always available if i need to contact them regarding any clarifications or queries that i have.

I feel by having a cips level 4 qualification it has helped me to have different ways of thinking when procuring, this includes constantly checking that the process we are taking to procure is the most value adding procedure and we are achieving the bets value for money. If it wasn't for my qualification i don't think i would be thinking outside the box and questioning the process, which should be done.

Yes!! there are many social events even throughout the pandemic! this includes regular coffee catch ups, health and wellbeing sessions to check in to see everyone is coping okay, as restrictions are released we are able to meet in the park in June which is something hopefully to look forward to.

Yes

it is a great organisation to be part of, Transport for London are very much focused on a healthy balanced life. This included flexible working hours if needed and many perks for working for TfL such as great annual leave days and an awesome pension, i would definitely recommend to anyone thinking of applying for an apprenticeship.

Just be yourself! Transport for London just advice to be yourself and don't change the person you are just for an interview. be confident and believe in yourself, anything is possible if you put your mind to it. If you believe you can do it then you can, don't be worried and put off by such a huge organisation, many people are willing to help.