Procurement Apprentice Review
at Kier Group
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Business Operations, Logistics and Operations, Procurement, Purchasing and Supply, Supply Chain Management, Transport Planning
Rushden, Northamptonshire
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
3.3 /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!
3/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3.2/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
3/5
Supporting operational purchasing activity, including raising and reviewing requisitions, creating purchase orders, and ensuring orders are placed with approved and preferred suppliers
Liaising with site teams and internal stakeholders to confirm material specifications, quantities, delivery dates, and any changes required to support project programmes
Communicating with suppliers to obtain quotations, confirm pricing and lead times, and resolve queries relating to deliveries or order discrepancies
Carrying out price and quote comparisons to support buyers and ensure projects achieve best value while maintaining quality and delivery performance
Supporting invoice clearance by checking invoices against purchase orders and goods received before payment approval
Liaising with site teams and internal stakeholders to confirm material specifications, quantities, delivery dates, and any changes required to support project programmes
Communicating with suppliers to obtain quotations, confirm pricing and lead times, and resolve queries relating to deliveries or order discrepancies
Carrying out price and quote comparisons to support buyers and ensure projects achieve best value while maintaining quality and delivery performance
Supporting invoice clearance by checking invoices against purchase orders and goods received before payment approval
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
Overall, I enjoy my apprenticeship programme and find it a valuable opportunity to develop both academically and professionally. There is strong support from Kier, particularly from my department and HR, which helps me manage the apprenticeship alongside my role.
However, there are some challenges with the CIPS side of the programme. Support can feel limited at times and some processes move quite slowly. The revision sessions can also be difficult to engage with, as they are often very presentation‑heavy, which makes it harder to stay focused and retain information. (death by powerpoint)
The exam schedule is another challenge, with multiple exams taking place very close together, sometimes two in the same week on different subjects. Managing separate textbooks and multiple revision sessions at the same time makes it difficult to fully focus on each subject and perform at my best.
In addition, due to the workload within my department, it can be challenging to clearly separate work responsibilities from study time. Although study days are provided, the volume of day‑to‑day work can sometimes make it difficult to fully switch off and focus solely on learning.
However, there are some challenges with the CIPS side of the programme. Support can feel limited at times and some processes move quite slowly. The revision sessions can also be difficult to engage with, as they are often very presentation‑heavy, which makes it harder to stay focused and retain information. (death by powerpoint)
The exam schedule is another challenge, with multiple exams taking place very close together, sometimes two in the same week on different subjects. Managing separate textbooks and multiple revision sessions at the same time makes it difficult to fully focus on each subject and perform at my best.
In addition, due to the workload within my department, it can be challenging to clearly separate work responsibilities from study time. Although study days are provided, the volume of day‑to‑day work can sometimes make it difficult to fully switch off and focus solely on learning.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have developed a range of new skills and strengthened existing ones through my apprenticeship. Working in procurement at Kier has helped me build strong communication and stakeholder management skills, particularly when liaising with site teams, suppliers, and internal colleagues to clarify requirements, resolve issues, and support project delivery.
I have improved my commercial awareness, including understanding pricing, value for money, and the importance of balancing cost, quality, and delivery. I have also developed practical procurement skills such as reviewing requisitions, supporting purchase orders, carrying out quote comparisons, and assisting with invoice checks.
Alongside this, I have strengthened my organisation and time‑management skills, particularly when balancing day‑to‑day work responsibilities with study requirements. The apprenticeship has also helped me improve my confidence, problem‑solving ability, and attention to detail.
Through my CIPS studies, I have developed a stronger theoretical understanding of procurement concepts such as ethical sourcing, supplier management, and the sourcing process, which I am beginning to apply in my role. Overall, the programme has helped me grow both professionally and personally, supporting my development towards a long‑term career in procurement.
I have improved my commercial awareness, including understanding pricing, value for money, and the importance of balancing cost, quality, and delivery. I have also developed practical procurement skills such as reviewing requisitions, supporting purchase orders, carrying out quote comparisons, and assisting with invoice checks.
Alongside this, I have strengthened my organisation and time‑management skills, particularly when balancing day‑to‑day work responsibilities with study requirements. The apprenticeship has also helped me improve my confidence, problem‑solving ability, and attention to detail.
Through my CIPS studies, I have developed a stronger theoretical understanding of procurement concepts such as ethical sourcing, supplier management, and the sourcing process, which I am beginning to apply in my role. Overall, the programme has helped me grow both professionally and personally, supporting my development towards a long‑term career in procurement.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
he programme is generally well structured at a high level, with clear expectations around completing the apprenticeship alongside my role and support in place from Kier, including HR and my department. The on‑the‑job element is well integrated, and responsibilities within the workplace are clear.
However, the structure of the learning and assessment side can feel challenging at times. The timing of exams is particularly intense, with multiple exams scheduled very close together, sometimes in the same week on different subjects. Managing separate textbooks and multiple revision sessions at the same time can make it difficult to focus fully on each module.
The revision sessions themselves can also feel quite rigid, often being very presentation‑heavy, which makes them less engaging and sometimes harder to follow. At points, support from the training provider can feel slow or limited, particularly when trying to resolve queries or seek clarification.
In addition, due to the workload within my department, it can sometimes be difficult to fully separate work commitments from study days. While study time is provided, balancing operational demands with academic requirements can be challenging.
Overall, while the programme has a solid structure in principle, there is room for improvement in exam scheduling, revision delivery, and flexibility to help apprentices manage both learning and workload more effectively.
However, the structure of the learning and assessment side can feel challenging at times. The timing of exams is particularly intense, with multiple exams scheduled very close together, sometimes in the same week on different subjects. Managing separate textbooks and multiple revision sessions at the same time can make it difficult to focus fully on each module.
The revision sessions themselves can also feel quite rigid, often being very presentation‑heavy, which makes them less engaging and sometimes harder to follow. At points, support from the training provider can feel slow or limited, particularly when trying to resolve queries or seek clarification.
In addition, due to the workload within my department, it can sometimes be difficult to fully separate work commitments from study days. While study time is provided, balancing operational demands with academic requirements can be challenging.
Overall, while the programme has a solid structure in principle, there is room for improvement in exam scheduling, revision delivery, and flexibility to help apprentices manage both learning and workload more effectively.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a good level of support from my employer overall. Kier provides support through my department and HR, and there is a clear willingness to support my development through the apprenticeship. Study time is provided and colleagues are generally understanding of the requirements of the programme.
However, at times it can be challenging to balance my workload with studying. Due to operational demands within the department, it can sometimes be difficult to fully separate work responsibilities from study days and give learning my full focus. While support is available, managing both work and study alongside day‑to‑day pressures can be demanding.
Overall, the support is positive, but greater flexibility around workload during key study and exam periods would further improve the experience.
However, at times it can be challenging to balance my workload with studying. Due to operational demands within the department, it can sometimes be difficult to fully separate work responsibilities from study days and give learning my full focus. While support is available, managing both work and study alongside day‑to‑day pressures can be demanding.
Overall, the support is positive, but greater flexibility around workload during key study and exam periods would further improve the experience.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I receive some support from my training provider when working towards my qualifications, particularly in terms of access to learning materials and scheduled revision sessions. However, at times the level of support can feel limited and slow, especially when queries or issues need clarification.
The revision sessions themselves are sometimes difficult to engage with, as they are often very presentation‑heavy, which can make it harder to stay focused and get the most value from them. In addition, the close scheduling of exams and revision sessions across different subjects can be challenging to manage and can make it difficult to focus fully on one module at a time.
While the core support is in place, greater responsiveness, more interactive revision delivery, and improved spacing of exams would help enhance the overall learning experience and make the support feel more effective.
The revision sessions themselves are sometimes difficult to engage with, as they are often very presentation‑heavy, which can make it harder to stay focused and get the most value from them. In addition, the close scheduling of exams and revision sessions across different subjects can be challenging to manage and can make it difficult to focus fully on one module at a time.
While the core support is in place, greater responsiveness, more interactive revision delivery, and improved spacing of exams would help enhance the overall learning experience and make the support feel more effective.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I feel that my qualification supports my role well as a stepping stone towards becoming fully qualified in procurement. It provides a stronger understanding of procurement principles and the wider context of my role, helping me better understand why certain processes and decisions are followed within the business.
While not all elements of the qualification directly apply to my day‑to‑day tasks at this stage, it is helping to build a solid foundation for my future career. The knowledge gained through the qualification will support progression into more advanced roles, lead to better career opportunities, and improve long‑term earning potential.
Overall, the qualification is helping me develop a clearer understanding of what my job involves and where my role fits within the wider procurement function, which will be increasingly valuable as I progress in my career.
While not all elements of the qualification directly apply to my day‑to‑day tasks at this stage, it is helping to build a solid foundation for my future career. The knowledge gained through the qualification will support progression into more advanced roles, lead to better career opportunities, and improve long‑term earning potential.
Overall, the qualification is helping me develop a clearer understanding of what my job involves and where my role fits within the wider procurement function, which will be increasingly valuable as I progress in my career.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
There are limited formal extra‑curricular activities within my role. However, there are groups and networks within the business that allow colleagues to connect and network across different departments. I am also aware of informal social activities, such as colleagues taking part in 5‑a‑side football teams and other social groups arranged independently.
While there are opportunities for informal networking and social interaction, extra‑curricular activities are not a major focus of my role or the programme.
While there are opportunities for informal networking and social interaction, extra‑curricular activities are not a major focus of my role or the programme.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Kier Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes, I would recommend Kier Group to a friend, and I already have. Kier provides good opportunities for development, particularly through apprenticeships, and offers strong support from colleagues, managers, and HR. The business promotes learning, progression, and long‑term career development, which makes it a positive place to start and grow a career.
Kier also offers good flexibility around working arrangements, particularly for those who live further away from the office. In my case, I am fully remote due to my location, and where colleagues live closer (for example within a 30‑minute commute), there is flexibility with office attendance, typically only requiring attendance a few times per month. This flexibility, alongside the support provided and the opportunities for development within the business, makes Kier a positive place to work.
Kier also offers good flexibility around working arrangements, particularly for those who live further away from the office. In my case, I am fully remote due to my location, and where colleagues live closer (for example within a 30‑minute commute), there is flexibility with office attendance, typically only requiring attendance a few times per month. This flexibility, alongside the support provided and the opportunities for development within the business, makes Kier a positive place to work.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Kier Group?
I would advise applicants to research the field they are applying for and have a clear understanding of what the role involves. It is also important to understand Kier’s values and think about how your own values, skills, and behaviours align with them. Showing genuine interest in the company and how you can contribute will help you stand out during the application and interview process.
You might think Kier is just a construction company that only buys bricks, but you’d be surprised by how much more the business is involved in.
You might think Kier is just a construction company that only buys bricks, but you’d be surprised by how much more the business is involved in.
