Addressing the Procurement Skills Gap in the Public Sector

The need for skilled procurement professionals in the public sector has never been greater. With increasing pressure on budgets, rising complexity in regulations, and the emphasis on social value, organisations need procurement teams equipped to meet modern challenges. That’s where ABA Procurement steps in.

Based in Norwich, with training available across the UK, ABA is a dedicated provider of procurement apprenticeships. Working with councils, NHS trusts and government-funded organisations, we help develop procurement teams through flexible, fully funded, CIPS-aligned training.

Practical training with ABA

ABA delivers apprenticeships at Levels 3, 4, 5 and 6, each including full CIPS qualifications covering everything from contract administration and stakeholder engagement to risk, ethics and governance.

We are a CIPS Centre of Excellence, with a focus on procurement apprenticeships, designing our content and delivery specifically geared towards real world application and impact. 

ABA is owned and operated by Lu, Evie, and Beth who manage an accomplished team of tutors, all with extensive procurement industry experience. We keep our team small, ensuring that we get to know all of our students and employers, enabling us to create bespoke course options which work for them. 

We offer high levels of student support, ensuring each apprentice has:

• A dedicated skills coach throughout each apprentice’s journey
• A named End Point Assessment mentor
• Flexible delivery combining online learning, live sessions and in-person support where needed
• Integration of CIPS membership, exams and materials into the programme
   

As a result, ABA consistently exceeds national pass rate benchmarks and receives strong feedback from employers and apprentices alike.

One local government client described ABA as ‘a flexible and supportive partner who understood the public sector landscape and helped us build capability quickly and effectively.’

Apprenticeships available

Level 3: Procurement and Supply Assistant for early-career professionals supporting purchasing activities.

Level 4: Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner is ideal for developing capability in contract and supplier management.

Level 5: Operations Management (Procurement Pathway) is suited to team leads managing procurement functions.

Level 6: Senior Procurement and Supply Chain Professional prepares professionals for strategic roles and MCIPS designation.

Each programme is funded through the apprenticeship levy, with government support available for smaller employers through co-investment.

Playing a national role

ABA is more than a training provider, we’re also helping shape the future of procurement education. We were one of only two providers involved in the design of the Level 6 Senior Procurement Standard, ensuring its approach reflects the very latest thinking in commercial capability.

This strategic involvement positions ABA at the leading edge of procurement training in the UK, making us a trusted choice for organisations looking to build strong internal commercial teams.

Ready to deliver

With In-Person courses in Norwich, Colchester, and Peterborough, and fully supported online learning across the UK, ABA is well positioned to serve the public sector nationally. Programmes run throughout the year with flexible start dates to match employer needs.

For more information on how ABA can support your procurement team, visit: