"After completing my graduate programme, I joined the operations team working specifically in improvement projects. I developed the specific skillsets through external training and project work, working with senior leadership to put more emphasis on Process Engineering, and Continuous Improvement in the manufacturing environment." - Eliot Ball, Senior Process and CI Engineer
Successful applicants for our graduate programme will undertake a 2-year structured programme designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the operational demands within the business before entering into your first career role. As a Graduate Trainee you will work within our Manufacturing Operational areas and gain experience in the following areas: Strategic thinking, Production & Manufacturing, Planning, Quality Assurance, Process Engineering, Continuous Improvement, Facilities, Maintenance & Engineering, local HR, Environmental Stewardship, Health & Safety and Logistics/Distribution.
You will be based primarily at our head office near Bath in Melksham, Wiltshire but there may be the opportunity to travel and work in some of our U.S. sites through the duration of the programme.
Through continuous reviews and feedback, and with the help of your own personal mentor, you will develop an excellent understanding and working knowledge of the organisation’s business practices. This will enable you to create the highest level of efficiency possible through the utilisation of labour, materials and other resources, taking you from entry-level position to specialist, expert and beyond, in a company which is growing fast and offers opportunity for progression.
After the programme, our past graduates have gone on to take important roles within the company immediately after completing the programme, you can read about their experiences on our website. You will be taking on an exciting challenge in the operations side of the business but there is potential for a lateral move into other areas of the business as the company continues to grow.
Please note applications are now closed for our 2022 graduate programmes. You can sign up to alerts for the 2023 programme using the link below.
£26k annual salary, with potential to rise up to £28.5k based on performance during the programme.
Funded optional international secondment
25 days holiday (plus statutory holidays)
Contributory pension scheme including life assurance
Eligibility for bonus after first year of the programme.
Plenty of training opportunities to help you with your placements, including 24/7 access to e-learning with LinkedIn Learning
Help with medical and health bills
You will also be eligible for site based benefits, please clickherefor more information
Applicants must:
Have obtained or be about to obtain a minimum of a 2:1 for your undergraduate degree (any degree discipline considered)
Have permission to work in the U.K. by the start of their employment
Be able to start work in September 2022
Preferred skills/characteristics:
Excellent levels of written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate at all levels
Keen and strong disciplined problem solver with a good eye for detail
Methodical, hardworking and enthusiastic
Bright, resilient, proactive and energetic
Organised and analytical in your approach to work
Comfortable working alone and as part of a team, able to make things happen
There are five stages to our graduate recruitment process.
Step One - Apply for vacancies The first step is to apply by filling in our online application form. You will be asked the following questions:
Why do you want to work for Avon Protection?
Why have you decided to apply for this particular programme?
What strengths, skills and experience do you have which will help you succeed at Avon Protection and specifically in an operational environment?
Tell us about a difficult challenge you've faced during your studies or work and how you overcame it.
Step Two - Applications close Applications for the programme will close on 18th April. After this you will receive an email informing you whether your application was successful.
Step Three - Interviews We want to get to know you better so shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. We will be looking for strengths in communication and innovative ideas so we will ask you to complete a series of exercises and interviews to give you the opportunity to demonstrate these skills.
Step Four - Job offers are made Within a week of the final interview, we will provide the successful candidate with a job offer. If you are unsuccessful, we will ensure that you are given feedback to help you with your development.
Step Five - Graduate induction The graduate induction programme will begin in September 2022. You will spend two weeks getting to know the business, start working on your development plan and get settled into your new role.
