Training & development
In your first year, you'll study for the Certificate of Competence in Purchasing and Supply. The Certificate of Competence has been jointly developed by OGC and the National School of Government and will be delivered by a professional training consultancy. This develops your Government knowledge and workplace skills, providing an opportunity for civil servants in purchasing and supply to demonstrate their talents.
In the second year, you'll study for the CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply) Graduate Diploma. This is a degree-level qualification and is an increasingly important for those wanting a procurement-based career.
In addition to your professional training OGC organises a soft skills training programme to help you develop your leadership, management, team building and communication skills.
Placements
An important part of the scheme is the work experience you'll get from organisations involved in different aspects of procurement. Throughout your time on the scheme you will do a number of work placements to broaden your experience and give you an insight into different procurement environments.
Mentoring
When you join, you'll have access to a mentor who is likely to be a senior member of the organisation. He or she will play an important role in guiding you through the scheme and helping to develop your career in the longer term.
Buddy
You will also have the opportunity to buddy up with an existing trainee who will have been on the scheme at least a year and can offer you some hints and tips.
Induction
At the start of the programme you'll attend an induction where you'll be given a broad overview of the scheme and the training programme. You'll also get the chance to meet senior managers who will be happy to chat about working in procurement in government.
