Product Developer Review

I aid with the development of multiple Quaker products across HOTS, RTEC and PON. This includes carrying out shelf life tests, sending products off for annual nutritional testing, setting up taste panels and altering product recipes to reduce the sugar salt in our products. I also carry out market research on the Grains platform to make sure my team stay up to date with the most recent market trends, any competitor launches and social media interests.

I have been trained across multiple platforms, including the pilot plant, seasoning machine, using a sieving machine and caliper test to measure oat flake thickness and proportions. I have also received training on food safety, food allergens, Hazard Analysis, Critical Control Point and Health and Safety in and around the factory and offices. I have developed my communication skills and become more confident at giving presentations to my team and colleagues across the company as a whole.

Upon starting my placement, I was quite surprised by the amount of responsibility I was given straight away. For example, I am responsible for souring our products for Annual Nutritional Testing and then packaging and sending them off to the labs to test if the nutritionals are within tolerance of the back of pack nutritionals. I am also responsible for carrying out multiple shelf life tests across various different products every month, to test their sensory acceptability.

I was very surprised by the amount of support I guidance I received right from the beginning of my placement. Every time I have a question or I am struggling with something, there is always a member of team who is happy to help out. I receive regular support from my line manager and we have weekly check ins to catch up and make sure my workload is manageable. I have also been assigned a buddy who I can contact if I have an issues or something to discuss.

The company is really great to work for and there is always a very friendly atmosphere around the office. We have 'team days' where we connect with people on our team to get to know each other a bit better, which in turn helps us to work together better as well. We have multiple charity events, such as online family quizzes, as well as health and wellness initiatives such as 'cycle to work day'. We make our sustainability goals clear and every team strives towards them.

My placement really does go above and beyond in terms of well and truly exceeding my expectations of what the placement would be like. I have much more responsibility than I anticipated, everyone is so friendly, welcoming and helpful and I've learnt more than I thought possible. It has been great to get a real insight in to the food industry and really understand just how different and interesting each day can be. I would definitely go back to continue my work.

Yes

I would advise that you be yourself. It's cringe I know, but it worked for me. I did not pretend to do things I cannot do - instead I was open about my willingness to learn and try new things, showing that I actually want to develop my skills and have a clear interest in working for the company. Make sure that you are smart and presentable for the assessment centre, but make sure to also show them your quirky and fun side!