Meet Ross Aitchison, Commercial Manager at Agena for – National Apprenticeship Week.
Ross is currently completing a CIPS Level 4 apprenticeship in procurement, building on his expertise in client contracts while expanding into the supplier and procurement side of the business. In this Q&A, Ross shares why he chose the apprenticeship route, the skills he’s gaining, and how it’s shaping his career progression.
Can you tell us about your role and what your apprenticeship involves?
I am a Commercial Manager for Agena Group, and my day-to-day responsibilities have typically centred around client contracts. However, as my career progresses, I’m increasingly focusing on supplier and procurement operations. My CIPS Level 4 apprenticeship is designed to strengthen my knowledge in this area and support my long-term career growth.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship over other career routes?
I felt that the CIPS qualification was the best next step for my career, and the apprenticeship route allowed me to integrate learning with my current role, making it the most practical and beneficial option for me.
How has your apprenticeship helped you grow both professionally and personally?
I’m still early in my apprenticeship, but since many of the procurement theories and concepts are new to me, I’ve already learned a great deal. It’s also helping me approach my role with a fresh perspective, contextualising different aspects of my work and refining my decision-making skills.
What’s been the biggest challenge, and how have you overcome it?
The biggest challenge has been balancing my workload with my apprenticeship commitments. I’ve overcome this by being as organised as possible, planning ahead, and remaining flexible when required.
You’re working towards a qualification—how does that fit into your career plans?
Although my current role is more client contract-focused, I’m eager to expand into the supplier and procurement side of the business. Earning a CIPS qualification will provide me with the knowledge and skills needed to step into this area and hopefully accelerate my career progression.
How does the support from the company help you balance work and study?
As part of my apprenticeship, I need to log six hours of off-the-job learning per week. Agena has been incredibly supportive in allowing me to dedicate this time to independent study, and my manager has also provided opportunities for me to apply what I’m learning directly to my role.
For more insights into our apprenticeship program and success stories, visit our Agena Apprenticeship page.