Student development technologist Review

Daily tasks involve writing and making new recipes in the kitchen to assess suitability. Once a recipe is approved it can be taken to the pilot plant to trial on factory equipment before a factory trial is completed. Other tasks involve calculating nutritionals and costs, attending meetings, using specialist software to complete specific tasks as well as creating a variety of presentations.

I have learnt to consider nutrition much more when developing recipes as this can be a main driving force for the development work we do. I also have a greater appreciation for costs as this also can be quite restrictive. I was able to complete a 3 month secondment in the sensory team as well which helped to develop my knowledge of this area and also experience working in a team I had not considered.

I was given a range of projects to manage myself, varying in complexity, from NPD to salt reduction and shelf life testing. This allowed me to see a range of different aspects of the company. I was also able to complete a factory trial which was invaluable in being able to see how the recipes we develop translate into a commercial setting.

In my team, my mentor [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] was amazing at providing me with help and support throughout. It was very easy for me to ask questions and for help and I could also assist on her projects to gain further experience. I could also turn to my manager for guidance in how to progress with my projects. It is also really easy to ask other colleagues for help even if they are in different teams which is great as you always have someone who is happy to help you if you need it.

The company is really keen to make everyone feel included. It is a friendly atmosphere and everyone will have a conversation with you regardless of their position in the company. We have team nights out on occasion which is also good to spend time with your colleagues in a setting other than work. I also created a fundraiser for a charity close to me and people from all the different sites donated to this which I think clearly shows the type of business Premier Foods is.

I had an amazing year on placement. The amount of knowledge I have gained has been invaluable and will stand me in good stead for my future career but above all else it is simply a nice place to work. I have been able to extend my placement beyond the initial 12 months which will allow me to learn even more and of course if given the opportunity I would come back.

Yes

The main piece of advice I would have is that both in the interview and in day to day work, if you don't know the answer don't say 'I don't know', try and work to find a solution. It doesn't matter if you are wrong, someone can point you in the right direction and someone that tries to actively find solutions is exactly the type of person Premier Foods looks for.