The Procurement School

I have come into these courses will very little background in public procurement so I have taken away so much from these courses. The most important aspect however, is the planning stage. It has become very apparent that the time spent before putting out the RFx sets the tone for the whole contract and contract management process. I put out my first RFP while completing one of the initial courses and I was able to really focus on developing the evaluation team and facilitating the evaluation process. There was a threat of bias in the evaluation and I leaned on strategies learned in PSPP program to guide me through the process

I like the fact that there are multiple ways to learn. A course online, in person, a talk-through, and a printable version. I personally simply like to read myself, so it’s great that there are many options. Overall, a very good course and would recommend it. The instructor is very knowledgeable.

o “This program was amazing from start to finish. As a newcomer to this field, it really gave me the confidence to know I am doing my job well. I loved the online weekly classes, learning hands-on with other professionals was a great learning tool.

I wanted to learn how to do my job properly while taking into account our organization's responsibilities and obligations in accordance with trade agreements, legislation, etc. and also to become a great resource for my organization. The information really sunk in because of the way this program is rolled out. First, the modules, then the reading, then the discussion and quizzes. It's a good formula for learning and I enjoyed it all! I would highly recommend this course for anyone who would like a broader understanding of how Public Sector Procurement Works.- Janet.

I loved these courses!! The online discussion forums are a great way to hear of other views and takeaways from people who are doing similar jobs to myself. It makes understanding some of the course material easier, as you can sometimes interpret the ideas better after hearing someone else’s interpretation. I personally find online learning a challenge and this is a great way to feel as though there is a classroom environment. Thank you so much for this learning opportunity!

Some of us at work took the Responding to RFPs and Tenders course. We had originally completed a significant NRFQ 1.5 yrs ago and it was very in-depth. We did not get the contract and felt we weren't properly evaluated. After taking this course, it gave a lot more background for me and an understanding of how the proposals are evaluated in real life. The wording on the tender docs are one thing but to actually understand that your bid may be evaluated by someone not from one's own area for instance, gives much more appreciation for the process on the evaluation/owner side. Real-world examples were helpful. I came away better prepared for our next RFQ/NRFQ so thank you.

Easy to digest and understand. I have gained so much more knowledge about public procurement practices than ever before. Great program for someone coming from the private sector with little or no knowledge and can gain a lot in a short period of time.

Easy to follow. Narrator's voice was easy to listen to. User friendly for the most part. Thorough explanations and good examples. Was benefit that I was able to start and stop recording and move back to another area to ensure I understood content. Looking forward to next module!

I've enjoyed the Procurement School courses that I've taken over the past decade of my career. I've attended their e-seminars and their self-directed courses, including their Skill Builders and PSPP programs and enjoy their newsletters as well (which provide great reinforcement.) The content has been extremely useful to what I do in my job.The training that this institution offers covers procurement planning through to contract management and everything in between. The content is relevant, timely and tactical/strategic and can be applied as soon as you get back to your desk.Their instructors are fantastic and the style of teaching is personable and relatable while being on-point on relevant public procurement topics and legal issues.I highly recommend the Procurement School for Canadian public procurement professionals at all stages of their careers.

PSPP Essentials has given me a better understanding of the overall process, specifically learned a lot about the Acts. Very easy to follow at one’s own pace. The content was thorough, can’t wait to start the next course.I love the format where I can find a good balance between work and studies. The LIVE sessions are very interesting, gives the course a personal touch. It is nice to hear the opinions of others that are in a similar role but work for a different sector.