Procurement Apprentice, Waterton Academy Trust, Cudworth, S72 8RP
| Posting date: | 15 September 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £7.55 per hour |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 29 September 2025 |
| Location: | Barnsley, South Yorkshire |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Barnsley College |
| Job type: | Apprenticeship |
| Job reference: | Waterton |
Summary
To provide support to the Procurement manager and Finance Team in delivering efficient and effective procurement services across the Trust. The role will offer hands-on experience in public sector procurement processes, supplier management, and value-for-money initiatives while completing a formal apprenticeship qualification.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Procurement Support
• Assist with the preparation of purchase orders and procurement documentation.
• Support the procurement manager in gathering quotations and supplier information.
• Help maintain the central contracts register, tracking renewal and expiry dates.
Supplier and Contract Administration
• Assist with onboarding new suppliers and maintaining accurate supplier records.
• Ensure compliance with procurement procedures when engaging suppliers.
• Help track performance of key suppliers and support feedback processes.
Procurement Systems and Reporting
• Learn to use financial and procurement software to raise and track orders.
• Support data entry and assist with producing basic reports (e.g. spend analysis).
• Help update procurement trackers, logs, and dashboards as required.
Tendering and Compliance
• Assist with low-value procurement exercises by compiling documentation and quotes.
• Support adherence to Trust procurement policies and national frameworks.
• Observe and learn about procurement legislation (e.g. Procurement Act 2023) and internal controls.
Communication and Collaboration
• Liaise with school-based staff to support procurement queries or routine purchases.
• Attend meetings with suppliers or internal departments as required, taking notes or preparing summaries.
• Help promote best value principles and sustainability in purchasing decisions.
Learning and Development
• Complete assigned apprenticeship training and tasks within agreed timeframes.
• Take part in professional development activities and shadow senior procurement staff.
• Keep up to date with developments in public sector procurement.
Future prospects:
This role is designed to be a long-term career pathway into public sector procurement. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, the candidate will have the opportunity to progress within the Trust. The Trust is committed to supporting professional development, including progression to a Level 4 or 5 CIPS qualification, with a view to developing a fully qualified procurement professional.
Qualifications required: • Good general education (minimum GCSE grade 4/C or above in English and Maths).
• Willingness to work towards a recognised procurement or business administration qualification (e.g. Level 3 Business Administrator or Procurement and Supply).
Desired skills:
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Attention to detail and a methodical approach to work.
• Ability to work well within a team and follow instructions.
• IT literate, with working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Interest in procurement, finance, or public sector operations.
Desired qualities:
Friendly, approachable, and professional with a positive attitude to work. A team player who is reliable, enthusiastic, and eager to learn, with a willingness to take initiative and support others.
Working week: 37 Hours per week, Monday to Thursday 9-5, Friday 9-4.30 (30-minute lunch) start and finish times can be flexible.
Once you are established in your role there could be potential for some remote working.
Company Benefits:
• Local Government Pension
• School Advisory Service Membership
• Discounted Gym Membership
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Flexible Working Scheme
About the company: Waterton Academy Trust is a thriving and values-led partnership of schools committed to giving every child the best possible start in life. We work across two key regions - Wakefield and Barnsley - and are proud to be seen as a trusted and collaborative presence within the wider education system.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Procurement Support
• Assist with the preparation of purchase orders and procurement documentation.
• Support the procurement manager in gathering quotations and supplier information.
• Help maintain the central contracts register, tracking renewal and expiry dates.
Supplier and Contract Administration
• Assist with onboarding new suppliers and maintaining accurate supplier records.
• Ensure compliance with procurement procedures when engaging suppliers.
• Help track performance of key suppliers and support feedback processes.
Procurement Systems and Reporting
• Learn to use financial and procurement software to raise and track orders.
• Support data entry and assist with producing basic reports (e.g. spend analysis).
• Help update procurement trackers, logs, and dashboards as required.
Tendering and Compliance
• Assist with low-value procurement exercises by compiling documentation and quotes.
• Support adherence to Trust procurement policies and national frameworks.
• Observe and learn about procurement legislation (e.g. Procurement Act 2023) and internal controls.
Communication and Collaboration
• Liaise with school-based staff to support procurement queries or routine purchases.
• Attend meetings with suppliers or internal departments as required, taking notes or preparing summaries.
• Help promote best value principles and sustainability in purchasing decisions.
Learning and Development
• Complete assigned apprenticeship training and tasks within agreed timeframes.
• Take part in professional development activities and shadow senior procurement staff.
• Keep up to date with developments in public sector procurement.
Future prospects:
This role is designed to be a long-term career pathway into public sector procurement. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, the candidate will have the opportunity to progress within the Trust. The Trust is committed to supporting professional development, including progression to a Level 4 or 5 CIPS qualification, with a view to developing a fully qualified procurement professional.
Qualifications required: • Good general education (minimum GCSE grade 4/C or above in English and Maths).
• Willingness to work towards a recognised procurement or business administration qualification (e.g. Level 3 Business Administrator or Procurement and Supply).
Desired skills:
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Attention to detail and a methodical approach to work.
• Ability to work well within a team and follow instructions.
• IT literate, with working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Interest in procurement, finance, or public sector operations.
Desired qualities:
Friendly, approachable, and professional with a positive attitude to work. A team player who is reliable, enthusiastic, and eager to learn, with a willingness to take initiative and support others.
Working week: 37 Hours per week, Monday to Thursday 9-5, Friday 9-4.30 (30-minute lunch) start and finish times can be flexible.
Once you are established in your role there could be potential for some remote working.
Company Benefits:
• Local Government Pension
• School Advisory Service Membership
• Discounted Gym Membership
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Flexible Working Scheme
About the company: Waterton Academy Trust is a thriving and values-led partnership of schools committed to giving every child the best possible start in life. We work across two key regions - Wakefield and Barnsley - and are proud to be seen as a trusted and collaborative presence within the wider education system.