Placement Year Review at Samworth Brothers

The Role

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I really enjoyed the roles- having 2 separate roles gives you the opportunity to see two different areas and businesses and learn twice as much. I was given a lot of responsibility and opportunities to learn lots and do things I wanted to do.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Without a doubt felt I was one of the family. Everyone was so welcoming and helpful, I was treated with such respect and trusted by my team as if I had been there all along.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was given regular feedback through Personal Development Meetings and was able to chat to my line managers at both jobs when I had any queries or worries. Other managers in the department were also very helpful and I felt I could go to anyone, at either of my two placements.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

My 1st role was a very busy role based on shift work and usually there were many issues to deal with during the shift, which at first was very challenging, but later I learnt how to manage the shifts well and complete all the tasks as well as dealing with issues from production. In my second role I have been managing my own time so less frantic but still busy and dont like having time where I am waiting for things so try to occupy myself.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Almost certainly a case of running the show- given the huge responsibility of covering for team leader's holiday and sickness and was managing the team- had to make many important technical decisions during the shifts, and if necessary call on my manager if help was needed. Generally on my own as usually worked some of my hours where senior management not present e.g. before 8am and after 6pm.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I feel I will certainly be transferring these skills not only to my final year at university but also to my first job after graduating, as I will be working in the food industry and I hope to be in a technical position, which is where I have gained most of my experience so far. I have gained a wide range of skills and experiences, from micro analysis, good manufacturing practices, technical processes, to social and interpersonal skills which will stand me in good stead for the rest of my life.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Everyone was like a family, especially in my first role. Good rapport between all levels of team and mutual respect for all. Work got done and everyone was willing to pitch in and help out where needed.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Very well organised, contact was good between the students on the scheme and the organisers of the scheme and regular mentoring meetings with an impartial mentor not from my business meant I could ask advice and get help on issues I might be having.
I had a full induction programme for both roles which ensured I got to know the business very well before I started.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I was given opportunities to go on visits outside of the site, and assisted the group technical auditor which was really helpful and interesting. I felt I was trained very well for the jobs I was doing, and I could ask for extra training if needed.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I am hoping to return to the organisation, as I have really enjoyed my time here and have benefited a lot from the roles. However I may also be investigating other places for variety and a more suitable location to my home town.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Definately, we have mostly all kept in contact through our placements and found it useful to share experiences. Nights out with the students and graduates have also been a big part of the scene which has been enjoyable.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The cost of renting was quite reasonable- not much different from my accomodation at university. The costs of going out are also pretty much the same as Leicester is a university city so there are lots of students.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The night life is good and there is a variety of pubs clubs and bars which suits everyones taste and budget. It is relatively inexpensive for most nights out but more at weekends.Transport costs could be quite pricey if you wanted to go into town a lot.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

There were links with a local gym for classes which could be attended for free or for a small fee. Also parties outside of work for special occaisions, football among the group and bowling games etc go on.

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

I would highly reccommend this placement as it is really a great experience especially if you are not certain what area you would like to work in, as you have the opportunity to work in two different businesses and roles, and my line managers have also been very flexible with me in allowing me to visit other sites and shadow another role for a day to get an idea of another role. I have felt very well respected and have had a great degree of flexibility in my jobs. There is a real family atmosphere here and it is reflected in the good relationships between staff, which makes it a pleasure to go to work. It is definately not an easy job, so if you just want to shadow someone for 12 months its not for you- its definatlely 'hands on' you are responsible for your own actions, and your own work, just as in any other job.

Review 5/16 for Samworth Brothers

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