UK Ministry of Defence
Defence Commercial Apprenticeship Programme
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Defence Commercial Apprenticeship Programme
Defence Commercial Apprenticeship Programme
About the Location:
- This role can be based in Andover, Bristol, Corsham, High Wycombe, Huntingdon, Lichfield, or Portsmouth.
About Us
Join the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Commercial Function and be part of something bigger. You’ll help ensure the goods and services our Armed Forces rely on are delivered efficiently, legally, and with real value for money.
From sourcing everyday essentials like ration packs and accommodation to supporting major programmes like aircraft and infrastructure, no two days are the same. It’s a unique portfolio you won’t find anywhere else.
As an apprentice, you’ll learn on the job while supporting procurement and contract management activity, gaining a recognised qualification along the way. You’ll develop essential skills, confidence, and responsibility while contributing valuable work from day one. If you want a career with purpose, challenge, and progression, this is your opportunity.
About the Role
This is the Defence Commercial Apprenticeship Programme, a structured development programme lasting up to 2.5 years. The programme aims to develop apprentices into professional commercial officers capable of managing MOD’s innovative and demanding commercial business activities.
Apprenticeship Details:
You’ll be enrolled on the Level 4 Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner apprenticeship, aligned to the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS).
- Equivalent to a first year of an undergraduate degree.
- Delivered through:
- On-the-job training
- eLearning
- Mentor support
- Self-study
You’ll receive:
- Protected time for off-the-job learning during work hours
- Study leave to prepare for exams
- On-the-job coaching and mentoring from experienced commercial professionals
- Exposure to procurement, contract management, and supplier engagement
- Support preparing for your End Point Assessment
- MOD-specific learning and development
Upon successful completion, you’ll demonstrate the capability to operate at Executive Officer (Band D) standard. You’ll be offered a permanent contract of employment if positions are available.
Responsibilities
With support from experienced professionals, you’ll:
- Support and contribute to procurement and contract management activity across the entire commercial lifecycle including:
- Pre-sourcing
- Sourcing
- Contract award
- Contract management
- Assist with compliant procurement activities, including:
- Use of frameworks and e-sourcing systems
- Preparation of documentation
- Evaluations and supplier communications
- Support the development and maintenance of sourcing and commercial strategies for lower-value, lower-risk requirements, in line with MOD policy.
- Apply MOD commercial policy, procedures, and governance requirements to routine commercial activity, with support from senior colleagues.
- Assist with contract management activities, including:
- Performance monitoring
- Governance
- Change control
- Accurate record-keeping
- Collect, collate, and analyse commercial, spend, and supplier data to support informed decisions and assurance activities.
- Contribute to commercial and contractual risk management, escalating high-risk or complex matters when necessary.
- Use commercial systems and tools to maintain accurate records and support compliance checks.
- Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers, ensuring effective delivery.
- Apply learning from the apprenticeship to continuous team improvement.
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Note on decision-making: While your decision-making authority will increase with capability, accountability for final commercial decisions will remain with supervising officers throughout the programme.
Essential Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be willing to undertake the Level 4 Procurement and Supply Apprenticeship. -Meet these requirements:
- Right to work in England and spend minimum 50% of working hours in England.
- Not be in full-time education or another apprenticeship programme when the role starts.
- Not hold a qualification in Procurement and Supply at a level higher than Level 4.
- Be self-motivated, demonstrate commitment to continuous learning, and be eager to build a long-term Civil Service career.
- Show the ability to interpret and apply guidance accurately in practical situations.
Learning and organisation skills:
- Be highly organised, able to prioritise tasks, and manage time effectively.
- Possess clear written and verbal communication skills.
Technical skills:
- Be proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and familiar with emerging technologies.
- Show proactive and solutions-focused approaches with strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
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Qualifications
Eligibility requires you to hold:
- English and Maths qualifications at Level 2 or equivalent:
- Example equivalent: GCSE Grade C/4, or Functional Skills.
- English Language subject preferred for A-Level candidates.
Applicants with:
- Predicted grades should confirm (tick "yes" if asked) that they have the qualifications required or their application will automatically be rejected.
Important note: Unless otherwise stated:
- No higher-level qualifications will be accepted as substitutes for mandatory requirements.
- E.g. An A-Level in English will not replace a GCSE.
Useful guidance:
- What Qualification Levels Mean - England [for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland]
- QCCF (Scotland Equivalent)
Pre-employment checks will request confirmation of all qualifications prior to a formal offer.
Equal Opportunities and Inclusion
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. For candidates with disabilities meeting the minimum criteria, a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) is operational. While interview opportunities match selection criteria, in high-volume or seasonal recruitment situations, interviews may be limited even among DCS candidates.
Benefits:
Starting Salary:
- £30,740
- Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension contributions: + £8,905/ [Additional pension details](opens in a new window)
Additional Benefits include:
- Fully funded apprenticeship and professional qualification in procurement and supply.
- Funded membership to the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply.
- Tailored learning and development opportunities relevant to your role.
- Flexible working options.
- Environment encouraging inclusion and diversity.
- 25 days annual leave (incremental increase to 30 days upon achievement of 5 years’ service), plus public holidays included.
- Employee Assistance Programme for holistic wellbeing support.
- Discounts available through:
- Defence Discount scheme
- Blue Light Card schemes with various retailers.
- Civil Service pension.
- Opportunity for annual Reward and Recognition programme:
- Potential awards between £250 – £5,000 annually.
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