Industrial Placement Student Review

I couldn't have worked in a more suitable role. I found the experience extremely challenging at first, but greatly rewarding. There were so many opportunities available and I was able to step outside my role and work within different departments. I worked with the Buyers and Merchandisers from head office and was able to take accountability for my section. The progression is dependent on drive and determination, but with the right mind set the opportunities available are fantastic.

I found it difficult to explain the role of an Industrial Placement student and tended to fall into the category of a Graduate. Although this is my aim, I think they needed to have this communicated with them before I started in the branch. Nevertheless, I was clear with my expectations and I was really well supported within the team and felt as though they wanted me to achieve and made the most out of helming me develop through new experiences and opportunities.

I was assigned a buddy on my first day who I worked closely with during my first 6 months on the department. During my second 6 months I moved departments but kept in close contact and we had monthly meetings. I found this hugely beneficial as I was able to clearly set objectives for myself and ask any questions relevant to the job role. My Operations Manager was fantastic and really supportive. He challenged me during floor walks and drove me to succeed.

I felt as if I never stood still! I spend my weekends purely on the shop floor within my operations group and department. I used this time to work alongside Partners and aid their development. During the week I looked at the department and branch as a whole. I assessed sales figures, made sure the floor was according to toolkit, communicated with Buyers and Merchandisers, held meetings with Managers, met with Partners individually to discuss progress. Over the year I worked closely with Graduates and raised money for a local charity. There were so many opportunities available to progress.

The amount of responsibility was dependant on my drive. I was given more responsibility as I progressed over the course of the year. I felt as though I was treated as an equal to my Section Manager peers and took accountability for my individual section. The opportunity to progress was always available, with my Operations Manager made apparent and worked with me to aid my development.

I couldn't thank my Branch enough for the support they have provided me with over the course of the year. Despite a challenging first 6 months, I was driven to achieve and the end result has been fantastic. I ended up taking a secondment after finishing my placement and helped the implementation manager with a new store opening. This was a huge development opportunity as I was able to help train 400 new Partners at the beginning of their journey with the Partnership. I have recently written a reflective essay on my placement for university and the amount of skills gained from just a year is incredible. I have come out of the experience as a much more positive, assertive and determined individual.

Everyone was really friendly. The Regional Learning Facilitators communicated regularly with everyone and it gave me time to engage with Managers who I didn't usually work with. Through doing so they were able to offer me support and advice where necessary.

I was really impressed with how the placement was set up. We had 4 development days over the course of the year where all the John Lewis and Waitrose Industrial Placement students met to discuss their skills and experience. This was really useful as we were able to talk about our learns and what we'd all been doing to aid our development.

I was given every opportunity to develop myself and had plenty of time to work across different sections and with head office to improve availability within my section. I worked really closely with my section manager peers and was given direct face-to-face feedback to help improve my skills and leadership ability.

There are lots of job opportunities available across the business. Placement students who worked on the shop floor over the year have the opportunity to work in head office if they wish. There are so many roles available such as marketing, leadership, technology, distribution etc. There is something to cater for everyone.

My section manager peers worked closely within a team and we went on regular team days and went out for dinner. We worked closely with our teams and made every opportunity to organise events such as a 'Home 1 bbq' in the summer where around 50 Partners attended. It was a great opportunity for everyone to socialise outside of work and talk to people who they would't necessarily usually have the chance to while on shift.

More expensive than university! I lived at home for the course of the year, but would have been able to live close to work and rent a property if necessary. Food and drinks were reasonable and affordable.

There was a town approximately 15 minutes away from my store. It was a nice area, but a little expensive!

There was a social club for any activity I could name! Our section played weekly tennis matches at the sports club which was 5 minutes away from work.