Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Municipality of Enschede, Municipality of Hengelo, water Authority Vechtstromen, and University of Twente join forces to offer a joint procurement traineeship starting in September 2023. In this way, we aim to attract and engage young procurement talent for the public procurement sector in the Twente region. The recruitment of five candidates has started on May 15.
Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Frank Grashof (Procurement Manager) explains the choice for a collaborative approach: "Especially in the public sector, the procurement profession is highly dynamic and involves significant stakes. Therefore, there is a great need for specialized talent. Instead of competing for the same candidates, we are joining forces. This way, the trainees will get to know three different organizations in the public domain, gain practical experience in the theory of procurement directly, and work on overarching projects focusing on procurement themes such as sustainability and data-driven procurement. By offering young procurement talent a strong starting position in the regional job market, we can retain them for public procurement in the Twente region."
Making a difference in society
With this traineeship, we are responding to the desires of the generation entering the job market, together with the other participating organizations. Firstly, this target group values personal development. Additionally, these individuals want to make a difference in society through their careers. Working in the public sector is an excellent way to achieve this, as your contributions have an impact on the lives of the people around you. For example, the products or services you procure can make your city a more pleasant environment. Or, together with your team, you can make the smartest and most sustainable choices for the public domain.
Facilitating exciting projects
This traineeship demonstrates the extensive and challenging nature of procurement, particularly in the public sector. It is a field that involves enormous amounts of money, with two trillion euros annually in the European public sector. Moreover, contrary to common belief, there is ample room for entrepreneurship and creativity in this profession. "If you thoroughly understand the rules, you can facilitate the most exciting projects," says Frank. "For example, at Saxion, the collaboration with AH to go and The Bakery. Mastering this game, along with close contact with internal and external subject matter experts, such as through market consultations, makes this profession highly appealing to me."
Learning procurement through practical experience
Miranda Grijsen, Head of Procurement at the Municipality of Enschede, explains: "Procurement is a profession that you learn through practical experience. By offering it in the form of a traineeship in collaboration with other partners in the public sector, we can provide more guidance and greatly enrich the practical component, as trainees will rotate through three different organizations for eight months each."
A two-year trainee programme
The traineeship is intended for people with an HBO or WO education and a maximum of two years of work experience. A specific educational background is not necessary; what matters more is the motivation to become a procurement professional in the public sector. Five candidates will undergo a two-year trainee program, consisting of three eight-month periods in three different organizations. Various training sessions and personal development coaching are included in the program. In addition to procurement techniques, the candidates will learn about the nature of procurement work in the public domain. The traineeship will commence in September 2023, and recruitment has started on May 15. The final selection of candidates will be announced in August. Interested individuals can find more information at http://www.wordinkooptrainee.nl.
