CIPS steps up apprenticeship efforts

The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) has called upon UK employers to lead the way with procurement apprenticeships.

In conjunction with the National Apprenticeship Service and the City of London Corporation, CIPS launched its Advanced Apprenticeship in Procurement back in April. The scheme’s aim is to simultaneously encourage talent growth within organisations and put ambitious young professionals on a steady career path.

CIPS understandably wants to establish a very high standard for its apprenticeship services, and has announced that it wants a minimum of 10 employers to step forward and form a group that leads the way.

Esther Redman, education network manager at CIPS, said: “[We are] committed to supporting the development of an apprenticeship standard in procurement but need support from employers who would be interested in joining a trailblazer group.”

CIPS wants one of the employers in the group to take the reins and act as chair.

About the apprenticeship

As with all apprenticeships, the focus is on-the-job learning. Apprentices will work at least 30 hours per week and, of course, will be paid.

CIPS has said the scheme will train young people for job roles such as assistant buyer, assistant contract officer, and contract analyst.

CIPS says it is “designed for those in an operational role who need the capabilities to carry out tasks such as arranging supply logistics, implementing new contracts and have the knowledge to understand demand management.”

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