Sales, Marketing & Procurement Apprenticeships: Customer Service and Procurement
Losing customers to slow or inconsistent service, or overspending with suppliers? Develop customer-facing teams and qualified buyers with funded apprenticeships from Level 2 to Level 4, including CIPS qualifications built into the procurement routes.
Customer service and procurement apprenticeships at High Ridge Training, in short
- Customer service: Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner (12 months) for front-line staff, and Level 3 Customer Service Specialist (15 months) for staff handling complex queries, complaints and service improvement.
- Procurement: Level 3 Procurement and Supply Assistant (15 months, includes the CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate) and Level 4 Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner (18 months, includes the CIPS Level 4 Diploma).
- Funding: non-levy employers pay nothing for apprentices aged under 25 and 5% for those aged 25 and over. Levy payers use their apprenticeship service account.
- Delivery: remote learning with tutor support, applied in the apprentice's own role, then an independent end-point assessment.
Which apprenticeship solves your problem?
| Your challenge | Recommended apprenticeship | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Inconsistent service from front-line staff | Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner | Builds communication, product knowledge and confidence across phone, face-to-face and digital channels |
| Complaints and complex queries escalating too often | Level 3 Customer Service Specialist | Develops staff to resolve complex issues and act as the go-to expert for the team |
| Purchase orders, quotes and suppliers handled without a process | Level 3 Procurement and Supply Assistant | Teaches compliant sourcing, quotation evaluation and purchase order processing |
| Buyers negotiating contracts with no formal training | Level 4 Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner | Covers the full procurement cycle, contracting, negotiation and supplier management, with the CIPS Level 4 Diploma |
| Overspending or poor visibility of supplier performance | Level 4 Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner | Builds spend analysis, cost management and supplier relationship skills |
Customer service apprenticeships
Each card gives you the essentials. Open the apprenticeship page for full content, end-point assessment and entry requirements.
Customer Service Practitioner Apprenticeship
For customer service assistants, representatives, support agents and client services advisors who are the first point of contact for customers.
- Duration12 months (fast track 8)
- Off-the-job training278 hours
- EPAPractical observation, professional discussion with portfolio, showcase
- Added valueInstitute of Customer Service Foundation Membership and Fire Safety Awareness CPD
Customer Service Specialist Apprenticeship
For specialists, customer relationship managers, support analysts and client services officers handling complex requests, complaints and service improvement.
- Duration15 months (fast track 8)
- Off-the-job training348 hours
- EPAPractical observation, professional discussion with portfolio, project and interview
- Added valueInstitute of Customer Service Foundation Membership and Fire Warden CPD
Procurement apprenticeships with CIPS qualifications
Both procurement apprenticeships include a CIPS qualification, giving apprentices a recognised step on the route to MCIPS Chartered status.
Procurement and Supply Assistant Apprenticeship
For purchasing assistants, procurement coordinators and procurement contracts officers supporting sourcing, purchasing and supplier contact.
- Duration15 months (fast track 8)
- Off-the-job training348 hours
- IncludesCIPS Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations
- Added valueCIPS Student Membership and Health and Safety CPD
Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner Apprenticeship
For buyers, assistant buyers, sourcing executives, commercial analysts and contract associates. Formerly the Commercial Procurement and Supply apprenticeship.
- Duration18 months (fast track 8)
- Off-the-job training418 hours
- IncludesCIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply
- EPAPresentation, portfolio interview and case study test
Fast track routes are subject to prior learning, experience and employer agreement in line with apprenticeship funding rules. Looking for CIPS Levels 5 and 6, or self-funded study? See our CIPS qualifications.
Career pathways
From advisor to customer experience lead
- Level 2: Customer Service Practitioner
- Level 3: Customer Service Specialist
- Experience: Senior Advisor, Complaints Resolution Officer
- Next step: Customer Experience Manager, Service Delivery Manager
From purchasing assistant to Chartered buyer
- Level 3: Procurement and Supply Assistant with CIPS Level 3
- Level 4: Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner with CIPS Level 4
- Experience: Buyer, Category Buyer, Contracts Officer
- Next step: CIPS Levels 5 and 6 towards MCIPS Chartered status
Why employers train customer service and procurement teams with us
Customers who stay
Better trained staff resolve issues first time and improve satisfaction.
Better value from suppliers
Procurement apprentices learn compliant sourcing, negotiation and contract management.
Professional memberships
Institute of Customer Service membership for customer service apprentices and CIPS membership for procurement.
One adviser, start to finish
Your dedicated High Ridge adviser handles funding, enrolment and progress reviews.
How these apprenticeships are funded
| Employer type | Apprentice under 25 | Apprentice aged 25+ | Extra support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-levy employer | Fully funded, nothing to pay towards training | You contribute 5% of the training cost | £2,000 hiring payment for eligible apprentices aged 16 to 24 starting from 1 October 2026 |
| Levy-paying employer | Paid from your apprenticeship service account | Paid from your account. If funds run out, you contribute 25% for new starts | Additional payments may apply depending on apprentice age |
Rates reflect the 2026 to 2027 apprenticeship funding rules for starts from 1 August 2026. We confirm exactly what applies to you before anyone enrols. See information for employers.
How it works for employers
Free consultation
Tell us about the role. We recommend the right apprenticeship and level for each person.
Funding check
We confirm eligibility and what, if anything, your organisation contributes.
Start remotely
Apprentices join remote sessions and apply learning to real customers or suppliers.
Assess and complete
Regular reviews, CIPS exams where included, and the independent end-point assessment.
Customer service and procurement apprenticeships: frequently asked questions
What apprenticeships do you offer in sales, marketing and procurement?
We deliver the Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner, Level 3 Customer Service Specialist, Level 3 Procurement and Supply Assistant and Level 4 Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner apprenticeships.
Do the procurement apprenticeships include CIPS qualifications?
Yes. The Level 3 Procurement and Supply Assistant apprenticeship includes the CIPS Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations, and the Level 4 Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner apprenticeship includes the CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply. Both must be achieved before end-point assessment.
What is the difference between the Level 2 and Level 3 customer service apprenticeships?
Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner is for front-line staff who are the first point of contact. Level 3 Customer Service Specialist is for experienced staff who handle complex or technical queries and complaints, and help improve service across the team.
Should a buyer start at Level 3 or Level 4?
Staff new to procurement, or supporting purchasing activity, usually start at Level 3. Staff already working in junior or middle procurement roles, with opportunities to source, contract and negotiate, are better suited to Level 4.
How much does an apprenticeship cost a small business?
Under the 2026 to 2027 funding rules, non-levy employers pay nothing towards training for apprentices aged under 25 and contribute 5% for apprentices aged 25 and over. Eligible non-levy employers can also receive a £2,000 hiring payment for apprentices aged 16 to 24 starting from 1 October 2026.
How long do the apprenticeships take?
Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner takes 12 months, the two Level 3 apprenticeships take 15 months, and Level 4 Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner takes 18 months. An 8-month fast track is available on all four for apprentices with relevant prior learning and experience.
How much off-the-job training is needed?
Off-the-job training is protected time within paid working hours: 278 hours at Level 2, 348 hours on each Level 3 apprenticeship, and 418 hours at Level 4.
Can existing employees do these apprenticeships?
Yes. Existing staff can take an apprenticeship as long as it gives them substantial new skills and their role offers enough responsibility to meet the standard.
What extra benefits do apprentices receive?
Customer service apprentices receive Foundation Membership with the Institute of Customer Service (ICS). Procurement apprentices receive CIPS Student Membership at Level 3 and support to access CIPS membership at Level 4. All four include accredited CPD such as fire safety, fire warden or health and safety training.
Where can I study CIPS Levels 5 and 6?
CIPS Levels 5 and 6 are not offered as apprenticeships with us, but they are available as self-funded or employer-funded qualifications. See our CIPS qualifications page.
Ready to develop your service and procurement teams?
Speak to a High Ridge Training adviser. We will match each person to the right apprenticeship and confirm funding before anyone enrols.
Or call 0330 236 9118