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In December 2007 the current GPGS trainees met for a workshop and training session, during which some of the trainees talked about their experience in the scheme in presentations to the CEO of OGC, Nigel Smith. These videos include extracts from their presentations, and an interview with Nigel Smith about the origins and purposes of the scheme.
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Short Video Transcript
Nigel Smith, CEO OGC
In January of this year the government launched a document called Transforming Government Procurement which was really the statement by government that the profile of the Procurement and General Commercial function in government really had to change to meet the needs of the current day. As a consequence of that a whole series of initiatives were launched, one of which is the Graduate Scheme.
Cassie Clifford-Wareham, NHS PASA
Good afternoon, I’m Cassie Clifford-Wareham. I’m currently working for NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency.
Leigh Kopec, Olympic Delivery Authority
I’ve been working at the Olympic Delivery Authority within Corporate Procurement.
Serhat Ozberber, The Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice, which is my chosen department, has been really challenging for me. And every day has provided me with something new.
Leigh Kopec, Olympic Delivery Authority
One thing I’ve really enjoyed is, even though I’ve entered as a graduate, I’ve been given a lot of autonomy and empowerment to get on with my own work.
Serhat Ozberber, The Ministry of Justice
One of the best aspects for me has been the ability to be taken seriously right from the beginning and I’ve definitely been thrown in in the deep end.
Saleem Uddin,OGC
I’ve managed to gain some real respect with key figures in the big departments that I have worked with from sharing my past experiences in the food retail sector.
Cassie Clifford-Wareham, NHS PASA
The support network for the scheme is vast, and the staff and the instructions have been superb.
Leigh Kopec, Olympic Delivery Authority
It also gave you the opportunity to learn across a range of business functions and to be exposed to lots of different areas within your department.
Cassie Clifford-Wareham, NHS PASA
One of the most special aspects of the scheme is meeting and working with my fellow GPGS colleagues. Together we offer a very special support network.
Leigh Kopec, Olympic Delivery Authority
Obviously it’s incredibly hard work. You’re doing a full time job and trying to do the qualifications as well so you’ve got to expect that it’s going to be a lot of hard work.
Saleem Uddin,OGC
It’s been a real eye opener for me being from the private sector and never before working in the public sector. But helping tax payers get better value for money motivates me.
Serhat Ozberber, The Ministry of Justice
To sum up the scheme really in three words, for me it would be challenging, different and rewarding.
Nigel Smith, CEO OGC
The intention of the Graduate Scheme is to bring in young graduates into the Government Procurement Service, give them the opportunity for a qualification, give them the opportunity of working right across government and really providing them with the opportunity of becoming the Commercial Directors of the future.