Start date: 2014
Location: Leicester
“I studied Management at the University of Hertfordshire and my third year (2010 -11) was spent as an Industrial Placement trainee at Samworth Brothers.
For the first six months I was a Training Co-Ordinator at Kensey Foods in Cornwall and then I spent the next six months as a Production Team Leader at Bradgate Bakery.
In my first placement I got to understand the importance of recording training progression and how this could be used for creating department training plans and succession management.
This experience helped me during my second placement where I was able to manage a team of up to 24 people and coordinate activities on a production line based on people’s individual skills, training or capabilities. One of the main things for me was being a hands-on leader, looking after people from varying backgrounds, experiences and cultures.
The most helpful side of spending a year in industry was understanding that, in order to get the best out of people, you need to be able to understand what it is they need to feel either valued, supported or challenged. Understanding people’s cultural differences, and how I needed to communicate with people on an individual basis, was incredibly useful during my final year modules.
I spent three years after I graduated with another company, but I wanted to come back to Samworth Brothers because their values matched mine and this was an important part of my career choice. So, I joined as a Graduate Trainee Area Manager at Melton Foods and, today, I directly look after a team of four managers at Walkers Deli, with 11 supervisors reporting into them. There are also a number of Team Leaders and operatives who are indirect reports. I oversee a 24-hour operation, 7 days a week, managing the process from raw material production, through to cook and cool, high risk, finish pack and despatch.
For anyone thinking of applying to the IP scheme, I can honestly say it will be one of the best experiences you can anticipate from a business that is willing to give you a hands-on ‘real life’ role. We have the most helpful and talented people in our businesses that not only care about your career, but also about you as an individual.
Make sure you approach the placement roles you are given with an open mind: it may not be a role you see yourself doing in years to come but it will be teaching you some valuable lessons about what does or does not suit your character.”