1 July 2025

Start Your Procurement Career with NEPO’s Regional Apprenticeship Programme

By Brett Sharkey, Organisational Development Specialist at NEPO

Public sector procurement is about more than just buying goods and services — it’s about securing value for money, supporting local communities, and making sure public funds are spent wisely and ethically. The NEPO plays a vital role in this. We work in partnership with the local authorities across the North East and Tees Valley to deliver high-quality, collaborative procurement solutions. Our work ensures councils can access the goods, works and services they need while creating social value, supporting the local economy and driving innovation.

As the procurement profession grows in visibility and importance, so too does the need to attract and develop new talent into the sector. That’s why NEPO and the 12 North East and Tees Valley local authorities are proud to launch a brand-new Regional Procurement Apprenticeship Programme, developed in partnership with our chosen training provider, SR Supply Chain Consultants (SRSCC).

This programme represents a major investment in the future of procurement talent across the region. It’s designed to nurture and develop brand-new procurement professionals — people who may never have considered procurement as a career before, but who are curious, capable and committed to making a difference.

This programme will create a sustainable pipeline of procurement professionals across our region. We’re supporting councils to grow their own talent, while giving apprentices the chance to study, develop and thrive in a profession that’s growing in national importance.

Earn While You Learn
In 2024, we launched our first internal cohort of procurement apprentices. They’re now building real-world experience on the job, while studying towards a Level 4 Commercial Procurement and Supply qualification from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS).

But that’s just the start.

Our programme is structured to take successful apprentices on a clear pathway from Level 4 (foundation level) through to Level 5 (advanced) and eventually Level 6 (degree-level) qualifications without the need to attend university and without taking on student debt.

Apply to become a Procurement Apprentice

Employee benefits at NEPO

Discover the many benefits of working at NEPO including flexible working, generous annual leave, eligibility to join the local government pensions scheme and hybrid working. 

Working at NEPO

Professional development at NEPO

We are committed to supporting all employees in their professional and personal development. Our guide gives an overview of the professional development opportunities offered to our procurement colleagues. 

NEPO's Professional Development Guide

One of the most exciting things about this offer is that it’s fully funded. All learning and development costs are covered, so there’s no cost to the apprentice - just real support, brilliant teaching and a route to a professional career.

Industry-Leading Support
Our training partner, SRSCC, delivers the programme using a blended learning model. Apprentices benefit from in-person delivery at one of our centres in Gateshead or Tees Valley. They will also study through remote tutorials via Microsoft Teams with access to a wide range of digital resources.

SRSCC’s support is best-in-class, our current first-time pass rate on exams is 90%, a testament to their tailored, practical and engaging approach.

In addition to technical knowledge, apprentices will also build essential soft skills in areas like communication, resilience, critical thinking and problem solving, delivered by NEPO through bespoke development days.

Apply Now – Build your Future
Apprentices are employed directly by one of the 12 North East and Tees Valley local councils. All vacancies will be advertised on North East Jobs, gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship and individual council careers pages. Interested candidates should apply directly to the council offering the role that best suits them.

Our long-term vision is to run this as an annual programme. It’s an exciting, high-impact offer that helps create future-ready teams and gives new professionals a springboard into a rewarding, socially valuable career.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to change direction, this is your opportunity to be part of a modern, skilled and valued profession. As a procurement apprentice, you’ll gain nationally recognised qualifications, contribute to public good, and grow in a role with real career progression.

Start your procurement career by applying today through your local council. Join our regional programme, get support from NEPO, and learn from some of the best in the industry at SRSCC.

 

Apply to our Procurement Apprenticeship today