Graduate Procurement Service

The Graduate Procurement Service is part of the Office of Government Commerce.

Government Procurement Graduate Scheme

The Government Procurement Graduate Scheme (GPGS) is a procurement entry scheme set up and managed by the Government Procurement Service (GPS) in Office of Government Commerce (OGC). GPGS is a key part of the GPS 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, including a variety of placements in procurement roles in their home department and in other departments and agencies.

There are two main elements of the scheme - formal training and exposure to different types of work experience. In the first year the trainees study for the Certificate of Competence in Purchasing and Supply while working on a variety of different projects in their home Department. In the second year the trainees study for the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Graduate Diploma while going one or more external placements in other Departments, agencies, NDPBs or private sector organisations as deemed appropriate by their home Department. OGC GPS funds all the formal training. Once the trainees have finished the two-year scheme a further year's work experience will entitle holders to qualify for full membership of CIPS.

The trainees have a support network including a mentor in their home department, who acts as a guide and helps with their career development. The second year of the scheme has also seen the introduction of a buddy for each new scheme member.

The scheme was launched in 2007 and there are twelve trainees across the following Departments: Central Office of Information, Government Communications and Planning Directorate, Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs, HM Prison Service, Ministry of Justice, NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency, Office of Government Commerce and Olympic Delivery Authority.

Now in its second year the scheme has allocated ten trainees to the following Departments: Cabinet Office, Department for Children, Schools & Families, Department for Transport, Department for Work & Pensions, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Highways Agency, NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency, Ministry of Justice (and National Offender Management Service).