case stUDY


Put your skills into practice at Vauxhall Motors


Amy Arnold felt like part of the team straight away


Name: Amy Arnold


Placement: Logistics buyer


Degree:


Business, operations & project management


University: Bournemouth


T


he first time I heard about the placement scheme at Vauxhall Motors was in my first year when


a friend secured a placement. It sounded like an ideal company to work for – it has placement opportunities across the business in several different functions, and is one of the largest employers of placement students in the country, which leads to a great working environment. In many respects the social side of working at Vauxhall can be likened to that of university. After a day in the office there is always something to do, whether it is a simple trip to the cinema or a night out on the town. The recruitment process began with an


“


The full-time staff at Vauxhall Motors are all familiar with the placement process and immediately treat you like any other colleague


”


online submission of my CV, and included psychometric testing. This led to an invitation to the most important and, for me, the best part of the recruitment process, the assessment day. It took place at Vauxhall Motors HQ in Luton and gave me my first real glimpse into the business. It was an ideal opportunity to impress the managers by showcasing my skills through teamwork, interviews and an individual assessment, and also a chance to meet the other candidates, some of whom I work with now.


Once I had been offered the role we started the two-week ‘handover’ process.


4 | The Student Guide to Work Placements


The full-time staff at Vauxhall Motors are all familiar with the placement process and immediately treat you like any other colleague. During the handover the placement student from the previous year hands over their work to you and teaches you the processes that you have to know. Not only do you learn the basics of your role in these two weeks – there is also a great social calendar, culminating in the undergraduate ball where old and new undergraduates celebrate together. I have learned a great deal about working within an international business, as well as developing skills I have been taught throughout my university course. In the time that I have spent here I have chaired meetings with outside companies, given presentations to European and American managers of Vauxhall/Opel, and been given full responsibility for big contracts, as well as sourcing new suppliers for the business. I have learned a great deal about how important logistics and operations are to a business. Early mornings, important deadlines, international presentations and being in a team have tested my time- keeping, organisational, presentation and communication skills. Vauxhall Motors understands that the students are the future of the company, and after completing a placement you are in a great position to be considered for the graduate scheme.


The placement scheme offers you real business experience and responsibility within an international environment, whilst also ensuring your year is enjoyable and valuable to you. n


To find out more about work placements available at Vauxhall Motors visit the website at www.vauxhall.co.uk


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