Jamie is a Procurement Analyst at Metro bank, a role he started in 2025 just before enrolling onto our Level 4 Procurement Practitioner Apprenticeship which follows the CIPS Level 4 Diploma as the on-programme element which he is still undertaking.
Prior to your CIPS training, what was your previous highest level of education?
Prior to CIPS, my highest level of education is a master’s degree in Business with Finance. I joined Metro Bank after graduating from university, which kick-started my career in Procurement.
How does studying for the CIPS qualifications fit in with your day to day working and home life? Do you think you would have found the courses more difficult if you had gone down the self-study route?
I’d say balancing my CIPS studies alongside full-time work isn’t exactly easy, especially when work gets busy. However, the fact that my studies are structured as an Apprenticeship gives me a great deal of support.
In terms of self-study, I can confidently say that I don’t think I would’ve achieved the same results in the same space of time. Having structured lessons, extensive course material and plenty of exam questions to practise has played a huge role in my success throughout the course.
You are smashing the CIPS Level 4 Diploma exams! How have you found the exams and the support from APA?
The exams are definitely not easy, and the support from APA has been a major factor in the results I’ve achieved. The structured learning provided by APA has pushed me to revise thoroughly for each exam, and I’ve found that the more exam questions you practise, the easier the exam feels on the day.
For anyone new to the course, I would highly recommend practising as many exam questions as possible.
How are you finding managing your off job training element for the apprenticeship and balancing with your job role and CIPS lessons?
This has probably been one of the most challenging aspects of the apprenticeship scheme in my opinion, because the OTJ syllabus is highly demanding. However, I’ve managed this consistently because my employer has given me opportunities to get involved in a wide range of projects, which not only helps me gain experience but also contributes significantly to meeting the OTJ requirements.
If it’s something you’re struggling with, I would recommend speaking with your employer and asking to get involved in projects outside of your day-to-day routine.
How has your CIPS training benefitted your organisation would you say?
I’d say my CIPS training has been highly beneficial to my organisation. I was employed as a Procurement Analyst despite having little to no previous procurement experience, and the combination of practical experience and CIPS training has allowed me to develop quickly within my role.
I’m now able to apply what I’ve learned across areas such as commercial contracting, negotiation and supplier management. Following my apprenticeship, the organisation will retain someone who not only has a recognised professional qualification but also understands the business and can contribute at a much higher level than when I first joined.
How are you finding the whole experience training with APA as a provider? Would you recommend us to others looking to start their CIPS qualifications?
I would highly recommend APA to anyone who is looking to start or accelerate their career in Procurement. My experience with APA has been very positive; I’ve engaged with multiple members of staff throughout my course, and they have all gone above and beyond to support me.
What does the future hold for you once you have completed EPA for the Apprenticeship and the CIPS Level 4 Diploma?
Following completion of my apprenticeship, I hope to continue my studies with APA through Levels 5 and 6 until I achieve MCIPS. When I first started the apprenticeship, I had little to no procurement experience, so looking back at how much I’ve learned and developed just motivates me to keep pushing myself further.