Procurement Admin Apprentice Review

My job role is to assist on a range of low-value and low risk projects by liaising with our supply chain on a regular basis, processing payments as well as other admin related tasks. Such as creating and updating trackers, issuing weekly updates to clients and subbies etc. and allocating subcontractors to our sites. I am also beginning to come more familiar with orders and I am hoping to become involved with these further in the future.

Upon joining the business, I had no previous experience working in the construction industry and knew nothing about procurement, so I have definitely learnt a lot in my year and a half of working here. I have learned all about our internal processes when it comes to procurement, payments, orders etc. as well as the importance of subcontractors and the relationships we have with them, as well as our clients. I have also gained a more advanced knowledge of using Excel as I have had lots of practice and other internal systems. I was also quite a shy person when I joined the business, and becoming more familiar with speaking to people and forming relationships has made my confidence skyrocket.

I enjoy my programme a lot. Although it was daunting at first due to having no previous experience, I quickly got the hang of what I was doing and the training providers were really helpful and supportive in assisting me with any queries I had. I know that I can speak to my training provider at any time with any issues I may have, and they always ensure to clearly explain processes and procedures in relation to my programme in case I am unsure and need clarification.

The structure of my programme is very organised. Although I have had a few issues when it comes to waiting for certificates to be delivered, overall there has always been a clear structure provided with what I am doing and when, and I have been given the materials to ensure that I am reminded of this and can follow it accordingly to reduce any stress or confusion. This also allows me to prepare accordingly for the next stage of the programme. As mentioned, if I am ever confused about anything, I always know I can speak to my training provider for assistance.

At the start of my apprenticeship, I didn't receive much support from my employer in terms of the Early Careers team who my apprenticeship comes under. They would send myself and my line manager monthly review forms to complete, but other than that I never really heard from them. However, I have recently got in touch with the Early Careers team to assist me with my next steps after I complete my apprenticeship, and they have been very supportive and understanding and have been able to provide me with useful information to help me make my decision. I just wish this support would have been provided at the start when I was still new to the business.

I receive lots of support from my training provider when working towards my qualification. My assessor always ensures that I understand what I'm doing and allows me to ask her questions at any time if I need help. We have regular catch up meetings to get each other up to speed and how we are going to approach what is next. She is very understanding and supportive and I never feel worried or scared to tell her how I'm feeling.

My qualification allows me to better understand processes and procedures within my industry and why they are done in general, which ultimately leads me to have more knowledge of why my business has its own unique processes and what this means for the business. It has also allowed me to have a better understanding of the different types of orders and I can apply this to my business by looking at what subcontractors are on these different orders and what this implies for them.

I am currently on the wellbeing and events team within my business. We are responsible for arranging and holding a range of different events that we believe could improve the wellbeing of our staff. We have regular meetings to stay in communication. I have also recently taken up the responsibility to work with the Early Careers team to help promote young, female apprentices in construction.

Yes

It is a great place to work with lots of opportunities available, as well as a positive, supportive working environment with friendly staff. They encourage flexible working, social value and work-life balance, and hold a strong emphasis on meeting environmental and sustainability goals. Offices located all over the country and easy to get to.

Do not be anxious about not having enough experience! As, although having experience is useful, I did not have any qualifications or experience when I applied to the business and I know others that did not either, and yet we were provided with a range of training and learning opportunities to help us build our knowledge and made to feel a part of the team.