Level 3 Supply Chain Practitioner

Your pathway to supply chain success.

Level 3 Supply Chain Practitioner

The Supply Chain Practitioner apprenticeship develops skilled professionals in warehousing, distribution, and logistics.

Practitioners keep goods moving efficiently from supplier to customer, managing stock, coordinating transport, and ensuring service levels are met.

Designed for organisations in the logistics sector, this programme equips individuals with the practical skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed to succeed in fast-paced supply chain environments. It’s the perfect pathway for those starting a career in supply chain management.

Target Audience
Ideal for individuals in operational roles such as Supply Chain Assistants, Logistics Coordinators, Demand Planners, or Procurement Administrators.

Business Impact
Reduces waste and overheads, improves supplier relationships, ensures product availability, and significantly boosts customer satisfaction scores.

Role Advocacy
Champions efficiency and sustainability. They focus on proactive planning, identifying bottlenecks before they impact the bottom line.

Learning Journey
A structured blend of technical workshops, data analysis training, and real-world supply chain improvement projects within your workplace.

The Key Function

The Operational Core Supply Chain Practitioners operate in fast-paced environments where timing is everything. Whether in FMCG, manufacturing, retail, or logicstics, their environment is data-rich and time-critical.

A Typical Day: A practitioner might start the day reviewing inventory reports to flag potential stockouts. They then move to forecasting meetings, using sales data to adjust upcoming supplier orders. The afternoon could involve negotiating with a haulier to expedite a shipment or resolving a quality dispute with a supplier to ensure the end customer receives their goods on time and in full.

Future & Sustainability: Crucially, this role drives the green agenda. Practitioners are increasingly responsible for sourcing sustainable materials, optimising transport routes to reduce carbon footprints, and minimising waste throughout the product lifecycle.

Our blended learning approach includes:

Tutor-led virtual training sessions
Ongoing 1-to-1 coaching with your dedicated course tutor
Access to comprehensive learning resources and reference materials

Ready to take the next step in your quality career?
Find out how you can join our next Level 3 Supply Chain Practitioner apprenticeship programme.

Work-Based Application to Drive Real Results

Learners apply their training directly to the workplace by delivering an improvement project alongside their apprenticeship. With ongoing guidance and support from a dedicated coach and mentor, each learner builds a portfolio of evidence over the 18-month training period, capturing practical achievements and behavioural development throughout the journey.

Principles of Continuous Improvement: Constantly seeking ways to enhance supply chain processes.

Supply Chain IT: Leveraging information technology for efficiency in operations, data management, and decision-making.

Manipulating Data: AnalySing and interpreting data to optimise supply chain performance.

New Products & Costings: Managing the introduction of new products and understanding associated costs.

Plan Manufacture: Planning production schedules to meet forecasted demands.

Project Management: Overseeing supply chain projects to ensure they meet objectives within timelines and budgets.

Principles of Capacity Planning: Assessing production capacity to meet varying product demand effectively.

Logistics: Managing the transportation and storage of goods along the supply chain.

Decision Making: Making informed decisions that affect the supply chain's efficiency and effectiveness.

Key Learning Aims

FMCG Characteristics & Processes: Understanding unique traits of FMCG, including high turnover rates and short shelf life.

Procurement: The process of acquiring goods and services to support the supply chain.

Critical Supply Chain Compliance: Adhering to regulations and standards that govern supply chain operations.

Forecasting: Predicting future demand for products to manage inventory and meet customer needs efficiently.

Communication: Effective interaction within the team and with stakeholders to ensure smooth operations.

Standard Operating Procedures: Established procedures that dictate consistent practices within supply chain operations.

Customer Service: Ensuring customer satisfaction through effective order processing and support.

Information about the Level 3 Supply Chain Practitioner

Apprenticeship Funding: £6,000
Qualification: Includes Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety
Duration: 18 months (+3 months for EPA).

- Understanding end-to-end supply chain flows (Procurement, Manufacturing, Logistics).
- Principles of demand planning and forecasting.
- IT systems, data analysis, and documentation requirements.
- Supply chain legislation, customs requirements, and sustainability regulations.
  Skills
  - Analysing data to identify trends and inform decision-making.
  - Problem-solving using root cause analysis techniques.
  - Effective communication with diverse stakeholders (suppliers, customers, hauliers).
  - Planning and prioritising workflows to meet strict deadlines.
- Behaviours
  - Adaptability: Responsive to changing priorities and market volatility.
  - Integrity: Ethical conduct in supplier negotiations and compliance.
  - Collaborative: Building strong relationships across internal and external teams.
  - Customer Focus: striving for excellence in service delivery.
Transport and logistics
3
18 months
£6,000
Maximum government funding for
apprenticeship training and assessment costs.