A procurement apprenticeship can provide the perfect balance of practical experience and professional development. In this case study, Sammie Hopkins shares her experience completing a Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner Apprenticeship at Rolls Royce and how the programme helped her develop technical knowledge, confidence and real-world business skills.
What was your background before starting your apprenticeship?
Before starting my apprenticeship, I had completed my education with a strong interest in business and problem-solving. My A levels were mostly business-based as they were Business, Economics and Psychology. I was particularly drawn to understanding how organisations operate and how decisions impact performance. I was keen to start my career in a practical environment where I could develop real-world skills rather than follow a purely academic route.
Why did you decide to sign up for the apprenticeship?
I decided to sign up for the apprenticeship because it offered a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working towards a recognised qualification. I wanted to start my career in a practical environment where I could develop real skills and understand how a business operates. The combination of learning and working, especially within a global company like Rolls Royce, made it an ideal pathway for me.
How are you finding the apprenticeship so far?
I really enjoyed the apprenticeship. It has been a great learning experience, and I have been able to develop both my technical knowledge and professional skills. I particularly enjoyed being able to apply what I learn directly into my role, which helps reinforce my understanding. While balancing work and study can be challenging at times, it has helped me improve my organisation and time management skills.
How does the apprenticeship support your daily work?
The apprenticeship supports my daily work by giving me a stronger understanding of procurement principles and processes. The knowledge I gain through my studies helps me make more informed decisions and contribute more effectively to my team. It also allows me to better understand the wider business context, which is useful when working with suppliers, analysing spend data, and supporting sourcing activities.
Tell us about the company and what your job role involves:
Rolls Royce is a global engineering company that focuses on delivering power and propulsion systems across sectors such as aerospace, defence, and energy. The company is known for its innovation, high standards, and strong emphasis on quality and sustainability. In my role as a procurement apprentice, I support sourcing and supplier management activities. This includes working with spend reports, supporting framework orders, and helping ensure that the business is getting the best value from its suppliers. I also collaborate with different teams across the organisation, which helps me gain a broader understanding of how procurement contributes to overall business performance.
How does Oxford Professional Education support you in your apprenticeship?
The training provider offers structured learning and guidance throughout the apprenticeship, which helped me stay on track with my development. They provided useful resources, workshops, and regular check-ins to support my progress. I also received feedback on my work, which helped me improve and build confidence in my knowledge. Overall, their support played a key role in helping me balance my studies alongside my day-to-day responsibilities.
Would you recommend this apprenticeship to others?
Yes, I would recommend this apprenticeship to others. It provides a great balance of practical, on-the-job experience and structured learning, which helps build both knowledge and confidence. Being able to apply what I learn directly into my role makes the experience more meaningful, and it has given me valuable insight into the procurement function within a global organisation. It’s a strong foundation for anyone looking to start their career and develop professionally.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting an apprenticeship?
My advice would be to stay proactive and make the most of every opportunity. Be open to learning, ask questions, and take initiative in your role. Time management is also important, as balancing work and study can be challenging at times. If you stay organised and committed, the experience is extremely rewarding and can open a lot of future career opportunities.
Apprenticeships can help organisations develop skilled, confident employees who are able to apply their learning directly within the workplace from day one.
Find out how the Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner apprenticeship can support your organisation’s long-term workforce development and operational performance.