Public Procurement and Property

Looking ahead to Scottish Apprenticeship Week

February 8, 2023 by Melissa Reilly No Comments | Category CIPS, Procurement People of Tomorrow

It’s National Apprenticeship Week! It’s also four weeks to go until the start of Scottish Apprenticeship Week. To celebrate the week, we are sharing the first of our Q&A interviews with current and past apprentices within the Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate (SPPD).

Look out for more of our content during Scottish Apprenticeships Week from 6 – 10 March 2023!

Q&A with Abbie Welsh…

1. What made you choose to take a Procurement Modern Apprenticeship?
   I left school with no intention to go to university or college, I wanted a full time job. After seeing the job advertised I thought it was the perfect opportunity to learn something new and get paid whilst doing so.
2. What did you enjoy the most during your apprenticeship?
   I enjoyed how many different things I was able to learn and seeing how far I’ve came and the confidence I have got from working on the job whilst learning. I have also enjoyed how nice and supportive everyone has been with coming in as my first full time job I found myself very nervous.
3. Where do you see your career going in Scottish Government?
   Although I fell into procurement with no real understanding I have really enjoyed it. I think I will continue my career in Procurement within Scottish Government and hopefully start CIPS to continue my learning.
4. What do you think the benefits of work-based learning in an apprenticeship are?
   The benefits are you have so many people around you with the knowledge so can always get the help needed. I also enjoyed getting paid whilst still learning!
5. Would you encourage others to take an apprenticeship?
   I would 100% encourage others to take an apprenticeship the knowledge you gain and support you receive is amazing.

Q&A with Stacey Ahern…

1. What role have apprenticeships played in your career journey so far?
   I started with my previous employer through an Operational Delivery Apprenticeship scheme and was (luckily!) placed in the Procurement department.  This lead me to accidentally! fall into Procurement and I was lucky enough to progress from an admin resource to the Procurement team.  I’m now undertaking a BA Hons in Business Management through the Graduate Apprenticeship scheme.
2. What do you think the benefits of work-based learning in an apprenticeship are?
   Work based learning in apprenticeships is invaluable – it allows you to gain an additional (free!) qualification whilst still in full time paid employment.  It broadens your knowledge in your own field as well as opening up different perspectives and networks.  It’s also allowed me to develop my critical thinking skills.
3. Would you encourage others to take an apprenticeship?
   I definitely would – a great opportunity that allows you a qualification whilst also supporting career progression.
4. What does the Power of Procurement mean to you?
   The power of procurement for me is about the impact we can have on the spending of critical public funds on behalf of Scottish people – whether that be through some of the policies we embed like Community Benefits or Fair Work First or through really great transparent, compliant procurements that drive financial value and consider and mitigate risk.
5. What’s next, where would you like to see your career develop in Scottish Government?
   I’m currently unsure, I’d love to get more directly involved in Supplier Relationship Management or Market Creation/Engagement.
6. What would you say to the ‘Procurement People of Tomorrow’ thinking about joining the Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate?
   I’d say it’s a great place to work full of really knowledgeable, friendly people.

Are you interested in a career in procurement? Discover more about the Procurement People of Tomorrow and the routes into this profession.

For further information on public procurement in Scotland please visit www.gov.scot/procurement

Please email enquiries to scottishprocurement@gov.scot

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Tags: apprentices, national apprenticeship week, Procurement People of Tomorrow, scottish ppprenticeship week

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