Cromwell Purchasing Apprentice

Your Future Starts Here—Apprenticeships at Cromwell Polythene!

Are you ready to launch your career with a company that values passion, persistence, and growth?

At Cromwell Polythene, we believe in investing in people—helping you develop skills, gain hands-on experience, and build a future you can be proud of.

Earn While You Learn – Get paid while gaining recognised qualifications.
Supportive Environment – Work alongside experienced professionals who will mentor and guide you.
Real-World Experience – practical learning that prepares you for success.
Career Growth – Join a company that values its team and offers opportunities to progress.

At Cromwell Polythene, we don’t just offer jobs—we offer careers. If you’re ambitious, eager to learn, and ready to take the first step toward a rewarding future, this is your chance!

Check out our company video to find out more about how we work at Cromwell – if you think it’s the place for you then:

Apply today and start your journey with Cromwell Polythene!

We’ve included the detail of the apprenticeship below – if you have any questions, please click on the link at the bottom of the page to email Dean (our Purchasing Manager), or give him a ring – he’s a really nice guy and he’s waiting to take your call.

Work Address: 1, Glentrool Avenue, Sherburn In Elmet, North Yorkshire, LS25 6RE.

Training organisation: Luminate Education Group.

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

National apprenticeship rates apply

Training Plan:
At Leeds City College, an apprentice spends 20% of their normal working hours in ‘off-the-job’ training – this can take place weekly, monthly or in one concentrated block of time. As an example, if an apprentice was working 35 hours a week, they would spend 7 hours a week on ‘off-the-job’ training.

You will have access to a Personal Tutor who comes to see you at our premises in Sherburn-in-Elmet.

In addition to the support from college, you will go through the Cromwell Curriculum – an internal induction programme aimed at providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress in your career with us.

Main responsibilities/duties will include:

Perform general office administrative tasks which include checking/processing order acknowledgments, shipping paperwork, confirming, prices, products, and delivery dates, which include reporting any discrepancies back to the order originator.
Maintain data summarising currency requirements and cash flow, as well as estimated times of delivery for use by other departments of the management team.
Setting up stock codes and specification sheets on the group IT System.
Assisting the Purchasing Manager with processing/confirming orders for sale/transfer of inventory between other companies and sites within the Group.
Arranging artwork proof confirmation for new stock codes and saving them onto the system.
Consult with freight forwarding partners to maximise supplier efficiencies, ensuring on-time shipment and arrival of containers.
Update purchase orders and maintain container import records to track orders and shipment progress, communicating to warehouse and sales.
Creating warehouse receipts of intake stock onto the system upon of documentation receipt.
To assist in stock discrepancies
Communication of non-conformances throughout the department
Make use of business systems to maintain activities/tasks allocated to each purchase order to ensure on-time and in-full deliveries.
To provide cover for other members of the Purchasing team, as appropriate.
Data gathering to assist in purchasing project work.
Any other responsibilities commensurate with the nature of the role.

We are seeking candidates who have/are:

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Problem solving skills
Administrative skills
Number skills
Team working
Initiative
Accuracy
Confident telephone skills

Other requirements

Our site is on the edge of the trading estate and is difficult to access via foot. It would be best suited to a car owner (though we would encourage anyone to apply once they’ve checked out the route).

About this company

Founded in 1983, Cromwell is dedicated to the manufacturing, sourcing, and distribution of products aimed at fostering the preservation, capture, and containment of resources, waste, and recyclables throughout the UK. Our people embody resourcefulness, constantly striving for improvement in all aspects. A Cromwell individual epitomizes passion, positivity, persistence, resilience, and enthusiasm, the core of our Culture of Excellence. What you can expect from Cromwell as your employer: – Open, and honest communication. – We will value your feedback and use it to make decisions that benefit everyone. – A welcoming and productive working environment. – Regular opportunities for personal development. – Clearly defining responsibilities and holding everyone to our standards. – Recognition through a profit share scheme. What Cromwell can expect of you as a team member: – Communicate openly and honestly. – Provide constructive feedback to help improve the company. – Contribute to a welcoming and productive atmosphere. – Actively engage in personal development opportunities. – Take ownership of responsibilities and uphold company standards. -Strive for excellence to earn recognition and profit share.

After this apprenticeship

Starting as a Purchasing Apprentice is the perfect foundation for a career in procurement. As you develop skills in supplier management and order coordination, you could progress to roles such as Purchasing Assistant or Junior Buyer, gaining more responsibility in sourcing and cost management. With experience and training, opportunities to become a Purchasing Coordinator or Buyer open up, allowing you to take a more strategic role in procurement processes. With years’ experience, you could move into managerial positions, overseeing purchasing operations and supplier relationships, shaping the success of the business.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

CROMWELL POLYTHENE LIMITED

Name: Dean Roper

Email: dean.roper@cromwellpolythene.co.uk

Telephone: 01977686868

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000326497.

To ApplyTo apply, you’ll need a GOV.UK One Login. You can create a GOV.UK One Login at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship. After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company’s website.

Company’s application instructions Please send us a letter that includes: – a few interesting things you’ve learned about Cromwell Polythene – why you think it would be a good place to work – what you might be doing as a Purchasing Apprentice – why you would be a good fit – your GCSE grades – your hopes and dreams for the future – what you do in your spare time

The closing date for applications for this role is close of business Thursday 31/07/2025.