The programme runs for either 18 months (standard route) or 8 months (fast track) on-programme, followed by an End-Point Assessment (EPA) period of 4 months.

Fast Track is subject to prior learning, experience and employer agreement in line with apprenticeship funding rules.

Yes. The Level 4 Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner apprenticeship was previously known as the Level 4 Commercial Procurement and Supply apprenticeship. The apprenticeship standard (ST0313) has been renamed to Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner.

Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioners support and manage procurement activities throughout the commercial lifecycle.

They work with internal stakeholders, suppliers and other external organisations to ensure procurement activities meet operational, commercial and organisational requirements.

Their responsibilities may include:

• Identifying and defining business requirements
• Researching supply markets
• Undertaking market and supplier analysis
• Supporting or managing sourcing activities
• Developing specifications and procurement documentation
• Supporting quotation and tendering processes
• Evaluating supplier responses
• Supporting supplier selection and contract award
• Developing and administering commercial contracts
• Supporting and conducting commercial negotiations
• Managing supplier relationships
• Monitoring supplier and contract performance
• Analysing procurement and spend data
• Identifying opportunities to reduce cost and improve value
• Supporting ethical and responsible sourcing
• Considering sustainability within procurement decisions
• Managing commercial and supply-chain risks
• Engaging and influencing internal and external stakeholders
• Supporting continuous improvement within procurement and supply activities

Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioners must combine commercial awareness, analytical capability and procurement expertise with effective communication, negotiation and relationship-management skills.

Typical job roles include Commercial Support, Commercial Analyst, Sourcing Executive, Procurement Operations Support, Buyer or Assistant Buyer, and Contract Associate.

Funding: Levy and non-levy employer funding available.

Find out how apprenticeship funding works for your organisation on our apprenticeships for employers page, or speak to our team.

Delivery Model: Remote delivery supported by workplace application and development.

The programme is delivered remotely, providing flexible access to structured professional training while enabling apprentices to apply their developing commercial and procurement knowledge directly within their workplace.

Delivery includes:

• Live remote tutor-led training
• Structured off-the-job training
• CIPS Level 4 qualification delivery
• Commercial and procurement workshops
• Individual tutor support
• Workplace-based activities and application
• Sourcing and market-analysis activities
• Commercial contracting development
• Negotiation development
• Supplier relationship-management activities
• Data and spend-analysis activities
• Professional discussions and reflective practice
• Portfolio development
• End-Point Assessment preparation

High Ridge Training's programme incorporates 418 planned off-the-job training hours, structured around the apprentice's occupational development and individual training needs.

Employers must provide protected time during working hours for required apprenticeship training and suitable workplace opportunities for apprentices to develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the standard.

Before entering End-Point Assessment, apprentices must:

• Achieve Level 2 English and Maths (if required in line with current apprenticeship funding rules)
• Demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the apprenticeship standard
• Successfully achieve the required seven CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply units
• Complete their on-programme portfolio
• Complete a minimum of 418 off-the-job training hours
• Be confirmed as occupationally competent by their employer

The EPA is conducted by an independent End-Point Assessment Organisation and typically includes:

• Presentation with Questions: enabling the apprentice to demonstrate and explain their application of procurement and commercial knowledge within their workplace
• Interview Underpinned by a Portfolio of Evidence: a structured professional interview exploring the apprentice's workplace experience and application of the required knowledge, skills and behaviours
• Case Study Test: assessing the apprentice's ability to analyse and respond to a procurement and supply scenario

The apprentice must successfully pass the EPA to achieve the full apprenticeship standard.

Full details are published in the official Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner apprenticeship standard (ST0313) on Skills England.

• Employment within a suitable procurement, purchasing, commercial or supply-chain role
• Opportunities to participate in procurement and sourcing activities
• Access to relevant procurement systems, processes and commercial information
• Opportunities to interact with suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Opportunities to develop commercial, contracting and negotiation capability
• Opportunities to analyse procurement, supplier or spend data
• Sufficient workplace responsibility to develop and demonstrate the requirements of the apprenticeship standard
• Commitment to ethical and professional procurement practice
• Motivation to develop within the procurement and supply profession

The apprenticeship is particularly suitable for employees developing towards junior or middle procurement and supply management responsibilities or those already undertaking procurement responsibilities at this level.

Individual English and Maths requirements will be identified during the initial assessment and enrolment process.

High Ridge Training will work with the apprentice and employer to ensure that the individual's role provides sufficient opportunities to develop and demonstrate the occupational competence required by the standard.

New to procurement? The Level 3 Procurement and Supply Assistant apprenticeship may be a better starting point.

Successful completion of the Level 4 Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for continued professional development within procurement, commercial management and supply chain.

The combination of workplace experience, Level 4 occupational competence and CIPS professional study can support progression into roles with greater responsibility for sourcing, contracting, supplier management and commercial decision-making.

Career and training progression opportunities may include:

• Level 6 Supply Chain Leadership Professional
• Buyer
• Procurement Officer
• Procurement Specialist
• Category Buyer
• Sourcing Specialist
• Commercial Officer
• Contracts Officer
• Contract Specialist
• Supplier Relationship Specialist
• Procurement Analyst
• Supply Chain Practitioner

With further occupational experience and professional development, apprentices may progress into more senior roles within:

• Category management
• Strategic sourcing
• Contract and commercial management
• Supplier relationship management
• Procurement management
• Supply chain management
• Commercial leadership

Completion of the CIPS Level 4 qualification requirements also provides a foundation for progression to higher-level CIPS qualifications, such as the CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma and CIPS Level 6 Professional Diploma, and continued professional development towards MCIPS and Chartered Professional status.

• Develop practitioner-level procurement and commercial capability within a real working environment
• Complete mandatory CIPS Level 4 professional study alongside the apprenticeship
• Benefit from flexible remote delivery
• Develop commercial contracting and negotiation capability
• Develop confidence analysing procurement, supplier and spend data
• Build skills that are transferable across public, private and third-sector organisations
• Gain an industry-recognised Level 4 apprenticeship
• Establish a strong foundation for progression to higher-level CIPS qualifications and more senior procurement and commercial roles

Explore our sales, marketing and procurement apprenticeships or read more about apprenticeships for employers.

In addition to achieving the full apprenticeship standard, apprentices benefit from carefully selected added-value opportunities designed to strengthen professional credibility, workplace readiness and long-term career progression.

Professional Membership: CIPS

Apprentices are supported to access appropriate professional membership with the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) during their programme. CIPS is the professional body for procurement and supply and provides apprentices with an opportunity to engage with the wider profession while completing their apprenticeship and professional qualification.

Membership can help apprentices to:

• Develop their professional identity within procurement and supply
• Demonstrate commitment to the procurement profession
• Access professional procurement and supply insights
• Access professional learning and development resources
• Engage with CIPS professional networks and events
• Explore higher-level CIPS qualifications
• Support longer-term progression towards MCIPS and Chartered Professional status

Accredited CPD: Fire Warden Training

Apprentices also complete accredited Fire Warden Training as part of their wider professional development. Procurement professionals can work across a wide range of organisational environments and may interact with operational sites, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, offices and supplier premises.

The training supports apprentices to:

• Understand the role and responsibilities of a Fire Warden
• Recognise common workplace fire hazards and risks
• Understand fundamental fire-prevention principles
• Support safe and effective evacuation arrangements
• Support colleagues and visitors during an emergency
• Recognise and report potential fire-safety concerns

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners. Apprentices receive ongoing pastoral, academic and professional support throughout their programme.