NEPO has launched its new regional procurement apprenticeship programme – appointing seven apprentices to begin to address skill shortages in the procurement sector within the region.

Governed by the 12 local authorities, NEPO is the region's leading public procurement provider. With an expanding need for its services and the ongoing digital transformation of the procurement sector, the organisation together with local authorities, identified the need to further invest in nurturing future procurement talent.

In September, NEPO successfully recruited seven new apprentices to the programme. The recruits will benefit from training experience complementary to their training syllabus and provide a range of qualifications including Level 4 Commercial Procurement and Supply Apprenticeship (includes Level 4 CIPS Diploma), CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Procurement & Supply, and Professional Diploma Level 6.

The initial phase, led by NEPO, will be followed by a wider roll-out of the programme within the local authorities with further apprenticeship appointments to follow in the coming months.

Following the appointment, Nicola Shelley, Managing Director of NEPO commented: “We recognise the growing need for skilled procurement professionals in the region, and I am delighted that together with the 12 local authorities we have created a programme which we are confident will bring new skills and future talent to the region.

"Our Regional Procurement Apprenticeship Programme has been designed with the future of the regional procurement sector in mind, so a lot of emphasis was put on the retention stage to not only generate new talent but also to provide tactics and support to retain the skills in the region.

"The initial recruitment stage has been a great success as we have welcomed seven new apprentices as part of the initiative. Myself and the NEPO team are looking forward to working closely with our new trainees, and together we will work hard to drive enthusiasm towards procurement as an exciting career opportunity in the region.

"I began my career as an apprentice in the public sector, which provided me with a fantastic opportunity to gain invaluable skills in the workplace. I’m excited to support our new procurement apprentices in developing their professional skillset and helping them build strong foundations for their future careers in procurement.”