2026 Procurement Apprentice - Crawley

What the role has to offer:

Practical learning and hands-on experience in tactical buying and procurement Opportunity to support cost-saving initiatives and efficient purchasing decisions Exposure to supplier management and maintaining positive supplier relationships Training in core procurement processes and procedures Experience in purchase order creation and management Developing customer service skills by supporting internal stakeholders Building confidence in problem-solving within supply chain operations Experience in contract administration and the basics of procurement law Collaboration with a centralised UK team on supply chain activities Support in developing skills in responsible and sustainable procurement Introduction to risk identification and management in the procurement context Real prospects for growth and development within the procurement profession

As an Procurement Apprentice, you will become a valued member of our UK centralised procurement team, working at the very heart of supply chain operations. You will gain essential experience in tactical buying, negotiation, and supplier relationship management, helping to ensure value and compliance for the business. You’ll learn to create and manage purchase orders, solve day-to-day supply chain challenges, and deliver excellent service to internal customers. Working closely with colleagues across functions, you’ll also develop your skills in contract administration and risk awareness, all while learning to promote ethical and sustainable procurement. This role offers practical experience and a strong foundation to build your career and progress in the procurement profession.

Training:

As a Procurement Apprentice you will enrol onto a 3 year programme, which will include two parts. Firstly, you will complete a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship over 12 months with the Apprentice Academy. Delivered via a virtual learning model, this part of the programme will introduce you to business in the context of procurement.

You will then progress onto a Level 4 Procurement and Supply Apprenticeship over a further two years with the same training provider. Upon completion you will hold both the Level 3 and Level 4 apprenticeship qualifications, plus your CIPS Level 4.

You will be based in our centralised procurement team in the UK, working alongside experienced professionals. Throughout the programme, you will receive on-the-job training, coaching, and support to develop your capabilities as a Tactical Buyer. Thales will support your professional qualifications as part of your development, and you’ll have access to a range of learning and development resources.

Training Outcome:

At the end of the programme learners will transition into a permanent role within the procurement function and will have the opportunity to discuss progression onto the Level 5 and Level 6 CIPS Certificates. This is a fantastic opportunity to start your career in procurement, with scope for continued growth and progression.  

Employer Description:
Together, we create the ingenious technological systems and innovations that impact and improve people's lives every single day. Even if you haven't heard the name Thales before, you've definitely benefited from our inventiveness. We reinvest 20% of our sales in Research & Development in the UK. We support businesses, organisations, and governments in addressing tomorrow’s major challenges by developing advanced Defence, Security, Cybersecurity, Digital Identity, and Aerospace solutions, in the most sustainable, responsible, and ethical manner.

Working Hours :
Monday - Thursday, 8 hours a day. Friday, 5 hours.

Skills:
Communication skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Administrative skills,Number skills,Team working