Graduate Leadership Trainee Review

Understanding and building skills in core business operations from a technical and people management perspective, to prepare for a front line management role at the end of the graduate scheme. This includes shadowing the team managers, technicians and spending time with support functions to understand overall functioning of the business area. Every 3 months the placement changes - with achievable targets in the form of a placement brief.

Yes and no- this varied depending on the placement manager, the timeline of the placement and how much you push for responsibility as an individual. Naturally, there is less responsibility to begin with, which gradually increases.

Yes, I have built a multitude of skills developed through observing current leaders, training courses and my own self-development. This includes improving my communication and people skills i.e. presentations and giving feedback and technical skills i.e. first aid, water jetting, confined spaces, health and safety to name a few.

Placement-specific support varied dependent on the placement manager, some are more hands-on than others - there is a placement brief which generally guides you but largely your day to day experience is self-driven. A business mentor which provides long term advice, a business coach and buddy from the previous year's programme, as well as your line manager are avenues of support on a more general level over the 2 years.

Excellent working culture where people come first. Self-investment and self-development are thoroughly encouraged. People who are passionate about the work they do and there is a reason people stay within the business for a long time. The working culture slightly varies as there are sub-cultures within the business however I have found it to be a positive one overall - I leave everyday with a smile on my face!

I have enjoyed each placement - some more than others, however I have found each one impactful in their own way so far. They have all helped me grow and develop as an individual which is extremely important to me. Graduates are well received in the business and both the graduate and team are able to benefit from the experience!

Yes