Organising and coordinating a network of interconnected businesses in the provision of goods and services to the end customer.
This occupation is found in all organisational sectors and is a system of people, activities, information and resources involved in moving products or services from supplier to customer. Effective and dynamic supply chains are particularly important in fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors, for example, food and drink, retail or consumables, where products have one or more of the following characteristics: high volume, fast turnover and frequently purchased. FMCG have a short shelf life, either as a result of high consumer demand or because the product deteriorates rapidly. In contrast, durable goods or major appliances such as kitchen appliances are generally replaced over a period of several years. Supply chain functions include procurement, forecasting, planning manufacture, customer service and logistics.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to move products or services from supplier to customer, ensuring customer satisfaction is achieved at all stages. The occupation can be in one or more supply chain functions, for example, junior demand planners will forecast customer demand. A junior supply planner will schedule factory production, a customer service operative will process customer orders and an assistant transport planner will work with hauliers and distributions centres to organise transportation and delivery. Supply chain practitioners will have a broad understanding of the entire supply chain and must strive to ensure their impact on each function offers best value for their organisation and internal and external stakeholders.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with internal and external stakeholders who are critical in ensuring supply chain effectiveness. Due to the high number of interactions both within and outside of organisations, strong relationship building, influencing, stakeholder management and communication skills are essential. Depending on the specialist focus of the occupation, an employee will interact with a range of internal stakeholders. For example, procurement managers, operations managers and manufacturing managers. Likewise external stakeholders can include haulage operators, customer procurement personnel and warehouse managers.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for their supply chain functional role and must strive to deliver the best value for their business and customer. Due to the high number of interactions both within and outside of the business, they need strong relationship building, influencing, stakeholder management and communication skills alongside sound analytical, information technology and numeracy skills, with an ability to work in a fast-paced environment with frequently changing requirements. FMCG Supply Chain Practitioners will be able to progress to management or specialist roles.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 30 months. The EPA period is typically 4 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
Multiple-choice test
You will complete a multiple-choice test. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials.
In the test you can have:
The test will have 30 multiple-choice questions. You will have 60 minutes to complete it.
Project with report
You will complete a project and write a report. You will be asked to complete a project. The title and scope must be agreed with the EPAO at the gateway. The report should be a maximum of 3000 words (with a 10% tolerance).
You will have 10 weeks to complete the project and submit the report to the EPAO.
You need to prepare and give a presentation to an independent assessor. Your presentation slides and any supporting materials should be submitted at the same time as the project output. The presentation with questions will last at least 45 minutes. The independent assessor will ask at least 6 questions about the project and presentation.
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 6 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.Reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Occupational standard, end-point assessment plan and funding band revised. | 06/08/2024 | Not set |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 24/11/2017 | 05/08/2024 |
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