Hubert’s Apprenticeship Success: Building a Future in Procurement & Supply Chain with Connexin Academy

Hubert’s Apprenticeship Success: Building a Future in Procurement & Supply Chain with Connexin Academy

When it comes to growing a skilled and motivated workforce, the smartest investment a business can make is in the people it already has.

In a time when talent shortages are hitting industries hard — especially in procurement and supply chain — more organisations are realising that the answer isn’t always recruitment. It’s retention. It’s development. It’s upskilling.

That’s exactly what happened in the case of Hubert, who joined Connexin six years ago as a Customer Service Advisor. It was his first step into the world of work — and the perfect place to build confidence, communication, and resilience.

Over time, Hubert’s career naturally evolved into the world of supply chain. And when the opportunity came up to further develop his skills, he seized it, enrolling on a Level 3 Procurement & Supply Assistant Apprenticeship through Connexin Academy.

“This is my first procurement and supply-based role. While I had some purchasing experience from previous jobs, I wanted to build on it. My Manager recommended the apprenticeship, and Connexin Academy made the process super easy.”

More Than a Qualification — A Confidence Boost

What Hubert found wasn’t just a course. It was a career accelerator.

The apprenticeship introduced him to parts of the procurement process he hadn’t yet encountered in his day-to-day role — areas like tendering and supplier evaluation — and gave him the knowledge to contribute in new, more strategic ways.

“It was great to gain insight into things I don’t deal with every day. I’d feel much more confident being involved now.”

The sessions also stretched his soft skills — in ways that are often undervalued but hugely impactful.

“The apprenticeship has massively improved my confidence and communication. Learning sessions involve group activities where we present back to the class. A year ago, that would have been way out of my comfort zone.”

Today, Hubert’s not just more skilled — he’s more assured, more involved, and more ambitious than ever before.

For Anyone Considering an Apprenticeship?

“Just go for it. It’ll massively boost your confidence, your knowledge, and your career progression.”

And while he’s wrapping up this stage of learning, he’s already looking ahead — planning to progress to Level 4 after a well-earned break.

Why Apprenticeships Work — And Why Businesses Should Pay Attention

Hubert’s story is a personal one — but it reflects a national shift.

According to the UK Government, 91% of employers report improved business performance after hiring apprentices. Even more powerfully, 70% say apprenticeships lead to better retention — a crucial factor in sectors like procurement and supply chain, where talent is in short supply and competition is high.

In fact, over half of procurement leaders in the UK (CIPS, 2024) say their teams lack critical strategic skills. Apprenticeships are a practical and proven way to fill that gap — not by hiring externally, but by investing in people already embedded in the business.

At Connexin Academy, we specialise in exactly that.

We work with businesses that want to build from within — organisations that recognise potential in their people and want to future-proof their workforce.

As a CIPS Centre of Excellence, we deliver high-quality, accredited apprenticeships designed specifically for adults already in roles — people like Hubert — who are ready to take their skills, confidence, and careers to the next level.

Want to explore how an apprenticeship could work for you or your team?

Complete the form below and let’s start the conversation.