Placement Year Review at Samworth Brothers

The Role

Role Description

Process Technologist for a pork pie manufacturer.
Responsible for conducting accurate trials, writing the trial plan, ordering ingredients, liaising with production for factory space, and reporting results to the management.
I spent time with customers, assisting in taste panels and was also responsible for the management of arranging customer samples.

NPD Buyer in a ready meal manufacturer, supplying M&S, Waitrose, Tesco and Morrison's.
The role included sourcing quality, good value ingredients, requested by the chefs/process team.
Ensured price, specification and quality were to our standards and negotiated for better terms. Managed trial requirements Organised supplier presentations and attended industry events.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

At first, it was a real challenge getting to know how things worked and who did what etc. But after a while it really does all fit into place, and it is the greatest feeling knowing you are making a realy difference to the company.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

In my first placement, we were a really small, close team with a huge workload. The business was under a lot of pressure at the time and it really put the pressure on us. This made us grow even closer as a team, and I still keep in contact and go out with with everyone there now, 10 months after leaving. Despite the fact our ages were in the region of 60, 40, 30 and me at 20, it doesn't seem to matter when you are all pulling together to do your best.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The support network at Samworths is brilliant - my mentor was the production director at the second place I worked. They are always there for you if you need them, and have been doing this for a long time so they have heard it all before!

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

It depended on the day of the week, the month of the year and so many other variables, like many other jobs in the world. All I can say is that it was a real job, I was actually felt like I was contributing to the business and was never bored.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

In my second placement I was covering maternity leave and working as an NPD Buyer, so I was responsible for purchasing all of the new ingredients coming into the business which is a huge responsibility.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I'm now back at university, where the maturity, organisation and people skills I gained while working are proving invaluable. It's also great to be able to talk about on graduate job applications.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

There was quite a good social atmosphere between everybody, especially between everybody in the factory.

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The selection process was relatively long, however Samworth Brothers have a specific team of people who manage the placement scheme who are all really great. As I said before, they have been doing it for a while and really know what they are dealing with.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

I took my Basic Food Hygeine, however I didn't do any other formal qualifications.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

• Staff Sales/Staff Shop

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

As there are so many different businesses to experience, I'd love to go back.

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I lived with 3 other students who were also on placement so this was great.

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Really reasonable (Leicester), the salary I received meant I was self sufficient and could pay my rent and petrol and still had plenty of spare income

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Average...!

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 0/10

None offered

Review 15/16 for Samworth Brothers

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