CIPS Procurement Apprenticeship Review
at Ibstock
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Procurement
Leicestershire
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.1 /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
3.8/5
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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
I am a Buyer for a range of categories and responsible for a team of two Junior Buyers. My category is a diverse mix of capital and operational expenditure.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I will concede that doing a full time role while also studying for exams and completing the work associated with the apprenticeship remains a challenge. I do find it rewarding and I appreciate the support of my employer.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have undoubtedly developed existing skills while working at Ibstock. My leanings as part of the apprenticeship have also helped me understand how to take a more strategic approach to procurement and supplier relationships.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
As a more senior member of the team and an up-skilling apprentice, I understand that it is essentially my responsibility to manage my time and make the apprenticeship work for me. I do appreciate that there is enough flex in the program to make it workable, while also offering clear support, structure and direction to ensure my success.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
As a procurement team, we fully embrace the value of the opportunity presented by apprenticeships and each of us are furthering our professional qualifications. There is therefore lots of support from my immediate colleagues and the from the wider People Team when I need it.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The training provider is well rehearsed at delivering CIPS content, and it is obvious that they take their responsibility on support, well-being and safeguarding very seriously. I also appreciate the amount of time and resource they spend on understanding how individuals learn.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
It undoubtedly helps. Since starting the qualification I can now employ a more strategic approach to Procurement, better understand processes, language and the employment of the full procurement cycle. It has also encouraged me to be more reflective, both personally and professionally on self improvement and development.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
There are opportunities to get involved with projects for those that wish to participate, but I would also concede that this is something that Ibstock could improve on.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Ibstock to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It has a positive and supportive working culture. I also genuinely believe it is a fantastic place to work as an apprentice, owing to the value and support that Ibstock places in the program. This is certainly true in procurement owing to the diversity of spend in which the team is involved and the opportunity allowed to get involved.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Ibstock?
Be sure that the opportunity is right for you, and that you are ready to commit to what is required. Apprenticeships and professional qualifications are not for everyone, but if they are for you and you can make it work, then Ibstock is a great place to do it owing to the support that exists across the board.
