Purchasing Placement Student Review

I very much did enjoy my time at SAI Automotive Fradley (Faurecia Interior Systems). I was based in the purchasing office, which gave me the opportunity to experience both larger corporate suppliers and smaller start-ups. I was given the opportunity and platform to utilise the skills learnt in university in a practical environment.

I was located in a busy department of 5 team members, ranging in age and experience; being the youngest and most inexperienced I was allowed to learn from those around me and given guidance when required. Throughout the year I was trusted with more difficult tasks, and became more valued as a team member.

My manager understood the need to develop the 'future generation' and as such I was given all the support I needed to get the most from my placement year. As the year progressed I was given more of a free reign to conduct my role as I felt necessary, enabling me to take part in other projects going on within the plant.

On a typical day I had to complete varying 'day to day' tasks. This was shared between the other graduates in the department. I was also given project work, which I would complete to benefit my department or the wider plant. This was often the most interesting work and kept me the most busy.

As to be expected, at the start of the placement I was very much slowly introduced into my role. As time progressed and I built trust and a working relationship with my manager, I was given greater responsibility. This included being able to go out and visit suppliers on my own and represent him in meetings.

Theoretical knowledge in the real world is fairly useless! (unless its specifically required to complete your job). University can not prepare you for how to interact with others in the work environment and I would say that is the thing I will take away from my placement; I have learnt to deal with difficult people and how to make the most of those around you.

The atmosphere in my office was great. There was a good mix of both young and more senior colleagues to learn from. The people in my office made it enjoyable to come to work, and I will miss them. The offices were shared and open plan, meaning it was sometimes very busy.

It could be improved. I was only given a very short handover period with the previous student, which made the first few weeks very difficult. This was made worse by having to complete a week on the shop floor, which meant I did not settle and meet my new team until about a month in. The welcome and wrap up events were well organised and a good opportunity to meet the other students.

I was given as much time as I wanted to complete any Faurecia related training on their shared portal. Whilst some of this was interesting it was very job specific and will not benefit me when I leave. The role itself has allowed me to develop, and pushed me out of my comfort zone.

A good graduate scheme is offered, which allows you to complete a two year masters alongside work. However, beyond that I feel you would need to be very flexible in relocating to progress through the organisation. The wage offered with the graduate scheme is also not very competitive with other schemes offered by other large companies.

Yes, there was 8 placement students and graduates located at my site. We met on occasion outside of work, which made the year more exciting. The students were also tasked with raising money for the British Heart Foundation which also allowed us to organise charitable events for the wider plant.

Reasonable

The site itself was located on an out of town industrial park, so there was no immediate places to go for a night out. However, within a 30 minute drive there is Birmingham, Nottingham and Derby. As there is nothing near to Fradley many of the students live in these surrounding areas, to be closer to a night out.

Yes - The students were required to complete a charity challeneg and raise as much money as possible for the British Heart Foundation.