Key Purpose of the Apprenticeship
Supply Chain Practitioners develop a highly transferable set of operational, analytical and interpersonal skills that can be applied across a wide range of industries. Working across one or more supply chain functions, apprentices play a key role in ensuring products and services move efficiently from supplier to customer while delivering value for both the organisation and its customers.
Practitioners build the knowledge and confidence to understand the end-to-end supply chain, supporting activities such as procurement, planning, logistics, manufacturing and customer service. They develop the skills and behaviours needed to improve operational performance, enhance collaboration across functions and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives..
Targeted Job Roles
Our Supply Chain Practitioner Level 3 apprenticeships are designed for staff responsible for supporting and improving supply chain operations across a range of industries, job roles could include but are not limited to:
- Supply Chain Practitioners
- Supply Chain Coordinators
- Logistics Coordinators
- Procurement Assistants
- Warehouse and Distribution Team Leaders
- Inventory and Stock Control Coordinators
- Operations Support Officers
The Course Structure
This apprenticeship is delivered through:
11 interactive workshops
Theatre-based learning experiences
Dedicated Skills Coaching throughout the programme
Quarterly workplace performance reviews
Functional Skills support where required
Online learning and assessment activities
Read more about our innovative approach to teaching and learning on our Apprenticeship Training page.
Skills Coaching
Each apprentice is supported throughout the programme by a dedicated Skills Coach, providing tailored guidance, structured development and ongoing support to help them apply their learning in the workplace, successfully complete the programme and maximise their impact within the business.
Find out more about how this works here.
End Point Assessment (EPA)
This programme is continually assessed by our Tutors and Skills Coaches throughout the apprenticeship. The final End Point Assessment (EPA) consists of three assessment methods:
A multiple-choice knowledge test
A workplace project and presentation based on a real business improvement initiative
A professional interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
The workplace project enables apprentices to demonstrate how they have applied their learning to improve a supply chain process, delivering measurable value through increased efficiency, improved customer outcomes or cost savings for their organisation.
Duration
15 Months
Level
Level 3
Where?
Delivered remotely, or for closed cohorts at a location of the employer's choosing
Supply Chain Practitioner Course Content
Workshops
Introduction to the Supply Chain
This workshop explores the end-to-end characteristics of the supply chain in different fast moving consumer goods contexts. We will look at external factors affecting the supply chain and understand key performance indicators and their impact on other areas of the business.
Continuous Improvement
This workshop focuses on the key principles of continuous improvement and problem solving, exploring different techniques and tools to support the learner’s attitudes towards change and promote a flexible approach to overcoming challenges and improve ways of working.
Project Management
A business aligned project. This final session of the programme focuses on key tools and processes to successfully plan, scope and manage projects, supporting learners in preparation for their End Point Assessment project.
Data Analysis
In this workshop we will fully explore the use of information technology systems throughout the supply chain process. The session looks at how to interpret and analyse different types of data and understand how this is used to inform process and also meet audit requirements.
Negotiation & influencing
This added value workshop explores the different ways to influence and achieve positive results. It includes tips and techniques for the optimum outcome through advance communication skills and robust negotiating methods.
Supply Chain Operations
This full day session focuses on the principles of buying – the strategic, operational, legal and ethical considerations that inform this, along with the impact of customer requirements and sustainability.
Customer Satisfaction
This session looks at different types of customer groups, their needs and the impact of this on the supply chain. We will also explore essentials of customer relationships in a supply chain context and establishing successful partnerships.
Communication and Collaboration (Theatre-Based Learning)
This theatre-based learning session focuses on the skills and behaviours needed to communicate and work effectively in a supply chain context. Learners will work with our actors to explore how to communicate professionally with a variety of stakeholders at all levels in a variety of situations.
Supply Plan and Logistics
This workshop explores the principles of developing a successful supply plan and examines the importance of logistics in terms of cost and lead times, along with the impact of variability and volatility.
Cost Management
This workshop explores the key elements of planning to meet demand and forecasting accurately. We will look at capacity planning and understand the need to prioritise the flow of fast-moving consumer goods products and services based on changing and evolving external influences to ensure the supply chain runs efficiently. We will look at the importance of justifying costs.
Managing Difficult Conversations (Theatre-Based Learning)
This added value workshop focuses on how to deliver a tricky message in the best possible way. We look at being objective as opposed to subjective as well as how to stop being triggered in a difficult conversation and managing emotions effectively.