Matthew Wallbank – Level 2 Business Administration

Name: Matthew Wallbank

Course Name: Level 2 Business Administration

Course Type: Apprenticeship

Image Caption: NWSLC level 2 student Matthew Wallbank

Former NWSLC apprentice Matthew Wallbank is now leading on local government procurement following significant career progression within the space of five years. Starting out as a Level 2 apprentice in business administration, Matthew is now the strategic creditors and procurement manager for Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council.

Matthew has risen to lead on procurement for high-profile projects including Transforming Nuneaton which aims to bring in new partners to improve the town centre through the regeneration of a number of critical sites, and the delivery of new leisure facilities in Bedworth and at The Pingles in Nuneaton.

Matthew, from Hinckley, went straight into employment after completing his A-Levels and has never looked back. He took the decision not to go to university, partly because of the high costs, and partly because he wasn’t completely sure what his career path would be.

He said, “I decided to look for an apprenticeship, and NWLSC was helping to fill a role with the Council’s procurement team. Once I had completed my Level 2 Business Administration apprenticeship, I was promoted to a procurement trainee, and then to a procurement officer. In November 2019 I was successful in becoming the Council’s procurement and creditors lead, as well as taking the lead role in the Council’s shared services arrangement with Rugby Borough Council.”

During his time with the Council, Matthew has continued with his studies achieving Level 5 CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply) and is working to complete the Level 6 CIPS professional diploma with a view of obtaining his chartered status within the industry.

“My first year as a manager has been defined by supporting the Council’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. We worked hard to maintain our supply chain, ensuring that suppliers were paid, and supporting them during a difficult period. My team has been responsible for sourcing and buying PPE to keep vital council services on track, and we are pleased to have maintained our continuity of service across the Council throughout the pandemic.

“I am so pleased that I started my career with an apprenticeship because it has provided me with the perfect route into a career that suits my skills and interests. I am motivated by continuous improvement and I am always looking for the next opportunity to do better both personally and in the workplace. Working with the Council is highly rewarding because I have been able to see the direct impact of what I do on the local community.”

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