Purchasing Training

Purchasing training is widely available on all functional areas in purchasing from transactional procurement in its simplest form through to leadership training and the management of large procurement teams. Training is delivered in workshops, classroom training, using on-line video and by distance learning. There is a course for everyone, at whatever stage in their personal and professional development.

Educational opportunities are available at all levels too. Diplomas, degrees and post-graduate courses can be undertaken in most developed countries. Many large companies require a post-school qualification in business for people entering the profession and often further education is expected for people wanting to advance to a higher level of achievement.

Training that is delivered in person, in the classroom, has the benefit of interaction with the other participants who can share their experiences. Learning from the trainer or presenter only is not as useful as working with a facilitator that can encourage discussion and debate. A combination of face-to-face training with examples and case studies, with work done outside the classroom to support it, works well. This method is particularly successful when applied to strategic sourcing of commodities, contract management and negotiation skills.

Courses that are available electronically by e-learning, distance learning, home DVDs, and webinars can be just as successful for those people who are comfortable working alone. Entry level courses such as “introduction to purchasing” are successful when delivered this way as they are instructional rather than interactive. Feedback is given, both directly on a one-to-one basis and as a class report, which creates the involvement needed. Continuing professional development is also achieved through this route where the latest trends are shared and discussed.

People starting out in purchasing or considering changing career should look into the various options offered by the national procurement and purchasing associations in USA, US and other countries which offer training courses from beginner level. Through these organizations seasoned professionals can also take advanced courses right up to masters level.
There are many private training companies that provide purchasing training in most countries. Anyone considering undergoing training in purchasing should first establish the reputation of the institution and the relevance of the course material. Employers will look for suitable accreditation of course content such as those courses approved by e.g. Institute of Supply Management (ISM), Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS).

On-the-job training is not to be ignored. In purchasing any opportunity to move around in an organization to learn more about the various functional areas in purchasing should be taken up. From procure-to-pay, sourcing, vendor management, contracts administration through risk and compliance, any good purchasing training can teach a person more about the functional areas in the purchasing function.