Placement Review at Premier Foods, RF Brooks

The Role

Role Description

To work as part of a team in the areas of redeveloping Marks & Spencer sauces for pies, pasties and pizzas. Helping to commsion the new sauce system supplied by a leading company called DC Norris. On a daily basis I need to arrange trials, organzise microbiology tests and follow each trialled sauce through to a product monortoring against standard production and showing the final result to Marks & Spencer. Towards the end of my placement I have needed to re-write the recipies into a system which enablet he cooks to run on automatic with very little manual labour, this also meant that chefs needed to be trained and monitored until they were confident in what the were doing.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

I enjoyed all areas of the project I was heavily involved in. Athough at times I did struggle, but I was offered alot of help and support from other members of staff.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

As myself and my boss were the only people on site who knew how to work with the new sytem my input was very important, and people have shown that they trust me on several occasions with information in various areas.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I have had fantastic support from management throughout the factory, even from people in other departments. I have felt I can go to anybody to help me if need be.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Although everyday I had times where I was so busy I couldn't think straight I hacve also been encouraged to keep smiling, and have several breaks where as a office we have a laugh and also dragged off for coffees when things begin to get out of hand

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Due to the limited people who were hands on within the project I had alot of influence, especially when my boss took time of work.

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

My placement hasn't just given me new skills wihin the working world, but also stretched my confidence and people skills to the limit, encouranging me to develop as a person as well as transform me from a young student to an adult ready for the working world.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I worked in a work hard play hard office. Smiles were never short even on days for customer visits

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

As soon as I arrived I was having my first visit to another site planned to begin trials just 3 days later.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Although I only had a few hours of training. The amount of time I was given from managment and other staff, and the amount of personal skills I now have is priceless.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• Sports and Social Club
• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop
• Healthcare/Dental

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Although I feel the company woldnt hesitate to take me back, I have been told I should move on as I should see what else is out there, rather than getting stuck in one place.

Other Information

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

★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 2/10

There was one other student on site who began when I did. She only stayed for 6 months and the moved on.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

My placement was located close to my parents home. So I stayed with them for the year.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Fantastic, but I grew up here, and also grew up with the people I was spending time with.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I attended a few social club activities, and several leaving parties for other members of staff. I have made soem fantastic friends here

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 found that by looking for my own placement rather than through the university, I was able to slot in to the job alot easier, firsly because I knew the role was exactly what I wanted and also because the comapy were aware that I had gone out and found my own placement.

Review 1/2 for Premier Foods, RF Brooks

Next