Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3) Supply Chain Practitioner (Fast-moving Consumer Goods (FMCG))
Role overview
This Level 3 Supply Chain Practitioner (fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG)) apprenticeship develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to work effectively in fast-paced supply chain environments. The programme supports learners to understand how goods and services move from supplier to customer, with a focus on procurement, forecasting, production planning, customer service, logistics and distribution. Apprentices will develop skills in managing the flow of products and services, using data and key performance indicators to support decision-making, applying continuous improvement and problem-solving techniques, supporting customer requirements, working with internal and external stakeholders, and following relevant legislation, policies, health and safety, quality and sustainability requirements. Learners will also build a portfolio of evidence and complete a workplace project in preparation for end-point assessment.
Entry requirements
No formal entry requirements. Apprentices must be employed in a suitable supply chain/FMCG role. English and maths must be completed in line with apprenticeship funding rules before EPA gateway.
Qualifications obtained
Supply Chain Practitioner (FMCG) Level 3 Apprenticeship
Programme includes
End-to-end FMCG supply chain operations, including procurement, forecasting, production planning, customer service and logistics. Learners develop knowledge and skills in managing the flow of goods and services, supply chain KPIs, data analysis, forecasting, capacity planning, commercial and cost efficiency, customer requirements, inventory support, quality assurance, standard operating procedures, risk escalation, health and safety, legislation and organisational policies, IT systems, GDPR/cyber security, stakeholder communication, continuous improvement and root-cause problem solving techniques such as 5 Whys and fishbone analysis. The programme also supports portfolio evidence and workplace project preparation for end-point assessment.
Where can you work?
Supply Chain Practitioners can work in a wide range of FMCG and supply chain environments, including food and drink manufacturing, retail, consumables, warehousing, logistics, transport, distribution centres, procurement, forecasting, production planning and customer service teams. Typical roles include Junior Demand Planner, Junior Supply Planner, Customer Service Operative, Assistant Transport Planner, Logistics Specialist and Supply/Demand Planner.
Key information
The Supply Chain Practitioner (fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG)) apprenticeship standard is a Level 3 programme, reference ST0201, version 1.1. It sits within the Transport and Logistics route and is approved for delivery. The typical programme duration is 30 months, followed by a typical end-point assessment period of 4 months. The maximum funding available for this standard is £15,000. Assessment includes a multiple-choice test, a project and presentation, and an interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence. The overall apprenticeship grade is Fail, Pass or Distinction. Typical job titles linked to this standard include Logistics Specialist and Supply Demand Planner.
Awarding organisation
End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) VTCT
Progression opportunities
Progression routes may include Level 4 Associate Project Manager, supporting learners who want to develop their skills in planning, coordinating and delivering projects within supply chain, logistics, operations or wider business environments. Learners may also progress into more senior supply chain, procurement, logistics, operations or management roles, including routes such as Senior Procurement and Supply Chain Professional, Operations or Departmental Manager, or Supply Chain Leadership Professional.
Additional information
Apprentices must be employed in a suitable supply chain or FMCG-related role that allows them to develop and demonstrate the required knowledge, skills and behaviours. The programme is typically delivered over 30 months, followed by a 4-month end-point assessment period. Apprentices will build a portfolio of evidence throughout the programme and complete a workplace project linked to their job role. Before end-point assessment, the employer must confirm the apprentice is occupationally competent and ready for gateway. Apprentices must also meet English and maths requirements in line with apprenticeship funding rules. End-point assessment includes a multiple-choice test, a project and presentation, and an interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence. The apprenticeship is graded Fail, Pass or Distinction.
