Commercial Procurement Apprentice Review
at Transport for London
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Marketing
London
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
4.4 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
My role is to deal with internal and external stakeholders, I ensure that i procure services or whatever the need is and make sure i get value for money i what i buy. I create the different types of documentation that form part of a tender, including Invitation to tenders, technical and commercial documents and the contract.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I have thoroughly and am currently enjoying my programme and apprenticeship. I have learnt so many new transferable skills that I will use for the future of my career, that I can adapt to different work situations. I also am thrilled to have achieved my cips level 4 diploma which will also help with my future within procurement.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Yes! i have learnt many new skills from basic office skills, stakeholder engagement, excel skills, communication skills from verbal to emails and learning which tone to use dependent on the type of conversation, ive learnt to host meetings and produce agendas for the stakeholders involved during the meeting. I also have learnt the importance of being organised during a office based role so i know what i need to complete during the working day.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
My programme is very structured. I have 4 working days a week and a study release day that i focus on working towards my cips diploma, now i have passed all exams i still have a study day to work on my project report and presentation and questioning assessment which once completed will be the final part of my apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive constant support, I have a placement manager and a line manager who i can approach whenever needed. I also have a dedicated tutor at the college who helps with any college related queries or questions I have to do with college work. Overall, i am very satisfied with the support given.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My training provider has given lots of support during my apprenticeship programme, this includes regular catch ups and check ins to see how my work/exams are progressing. I have a dedicated tutor who is always available if i need to contact them regarding any clarifications or queries that i have.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I feel by having a cips level 4 qualification it has helped me to have different ways of thinking when procuring, this includes constantly checking that the process we are taking to procure is the most value adding procedure and we are achieving the bets value for money. If it wasn't for my qualification i don't think i would be thinking outside the box and questioning the process, which should be done.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Yes!! there are many social events even throughout the pandemic! this includes regular coffee catch ups, health and wellbeing sessions to check in to see everyone is coping okay, as restrictions are released we are able to meet in the park in June which is something hopefully to look forward to.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Transport for London to a friend?
Yes
Why?
it is a great organisation to be part of, Transport for London are very much focused on a healthy balanced life. This included flexible working hours if needed and many perks for working for TfL such as great annual leave days and an awesome pension, i would definitely recommend to anyone thinking of applying for an apprenticeship.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Transport for London?
Just be yourself! Transport for London just advice to be yourself and don't change the person you are just for an interview. be confident and believe in yourself, anything is possible if you put your mind to it. If you believe you can do it then you can, don't be worried and put off by such a huge organisation, many people are willing to help.
