NHS Procurement Graduate Training Scheme is now open
Olivia joined NOE CPC in September 2021 through the Yorkshire and Humber Skills Development Network’s new procurement graduate scheme. Olivia graduated from Lancaster University with a first-class honours degree in marketing in July 2021. Throughout her two-year apprenticeship, Olivia will be undertaking rotations with various teams alongside studying for her CIPS Level 4 qualifications. We sat down for a chat with Olivia about her experiences so far.
How did you find out about the NHS Procurement graduate trainee scheme?
I had set up an email alert for graduate trainee schemes after finishing my degree. I spotted the NHS scheme and it appealed to me as I was interested in the negotiation and strategy side of procurement. NOE CPC stood out to me because of the offer of training without any prior knowledge of procurement.
What attracted you to NHS procurement?
I liked the idea of a different challenge and trying something new, I’m interested in learning more about the different areas such as relationship management and the processes of how things work.
How did you find the application process?
The process was much simpler and more straightforward than others I had to complete for different graduate trainee schemes. It was an online assessment and a few specific questions. What I liked about the application process was they were interested in me as a person more so than what I had scored.
How have you found your first few months at NOE CPC?
It has been a really interesting and enjoyable experience so far. My first few weeks in September were an induction and getting to know the business and how it works. I’ve done rotations with the procurement operations team and I’m working with NHS Supply Chain: Hotel Services at the moment. Next year I am hoping to be able to delve more in-depth into the areas I am interested in. The team has been so lovely and welcoming. Everyone has been very keen to share their knowledge and people are always happy to have a chat or a call if I don’t understand something. I’m keen to learn from the management team and tap into their expansive knowledge.
The NHS Procurement Graduate Training Scheme is now live, and candidates can apply for various roles commencing in September 2022.
The scheme was introduced in 2020 and the training offers graduates an opportunity to develop a career in NHS procurement and allows you to gain experience in buying, contract management, materials management, and many more areas within procurement. The graduate programme will give you a unique insight into how the NHS organisation works.
All roles available can be found on the Pathways 2 NHS Procurement website where applicants can apply for the roles they choose.
The scheme will be live for nine weeks with a closing date of Friday 11th February 2022.
If you have any questions regarding the scheme, please email graduate@skillsdevelopmentnetwork.com
If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please contact enquiries@noecpc.nhs.uk