Procurement Entry Schemes

The Government Procurement Service has established two important new routes into the procurement profession.

The Entry Schemes workstream forms a fundamental part of the GPS Strategy, which, amongst other things, seeks to address a shortfall of skilled qualified procurement professionals in government.

The schemes place a significant emphasis on learning and development and so also support the work taking place to raise procurement capability and skills across government.

Government Procurement Graduate Scheme

The Government Procurement Graduate Scheme (GPGS) is a key part of the strategy to ensure the availability of top-class procurement professionals for government. The scheme takes trainees through a two-year accelerated learning and development programme that will lead to the achievement of the Graduate Diploma of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) and will entitle holders to qualify for full membership of CIPS.
 
The scheme was piloted in 2007 and the first cohort of 11 graduate trainees have been working across seven central government departments and agencies since September 2007. A second cohort of ten graduate trainees took up placements across eight departments and agencies in September 2008. Recruitment for 2009 entry will begin in January 2009.

Interested in hosting a graduate placement? Find out more...

Interested in applying for the scheme? Find out more.

Fast Stream Procurement Placement Option

The Fast Stream Procurement Placement Option aims to offer a number of places in central government commercial roles to members of the Civil Service Fast Stream. Successful applicants will be exposed to a range of procurement and management roles to build commercial experience and skills, which are of increasing importance in government.

The aim of the scheme is to equip future senior civil servants with a sound understanding of the significance and complexity of procurement activities. And for some, it may lead to a move into senior commercial roles in government.

Working in a procurement environment will enable fast streamers to gain experience in either Operational Delivery or Corporate Services, two areas that can be most difficult for fast streamers to access on their journey to the senior civil service.

Interested in the scheme? Find out more.