Undergraduate FAQs
I've read the information and am interested in applying. What happens now?
Our applications are now closed, however please click here to register your interest in a position with us and we will keep you updated with the latest opportunities.
What programmes do you offer?
We offer 12-month industrial placements and 3-month summer placements within Product Development Engineering and Purchasing. For a placement in Product Development Engineering, you must be studying a relevant Engineering degree. However, we welcome undergraduates from any degree discipline to apply for a placement in Purchasing. In addition, we operate Sponsorship Schemes for those studying an undergraduate degree in either Electrical, Electronic or Systems Integration Engineering, or women studying an appropriate engineering discipline. We also offer 6-month placements for Engineering Undergraduate Schemes only.
How many students are there on the programmes?
We haven't determined a split of how many students we need on 3-month, 6-month and 12-month placements. We can say, however, that we are looking for around 40 students in total to commence in late June 2012 on the Product Development Undergraduate Placement Scheme. Similarly at the same time, we are looking for around five students to commence on the Electrical, Electronic or Systems Integration Engineering Undergraduate Sponsored Scheme, around 10 to commence on the Women in Engineering Sponsorship Scheme, and a total of 10 placement students for our Purchasing area.
When do the placements start?
The exact date varies slightly from year to year, but all placements (whether they are 3-months, 6-months or 12-months) commence in late June each year.
What are the locations for the programmes?
Engineering Schemes
The programmes can be located in either of our Product Development centres - Gaydon (Warwickshire) or Whitley (Coventry). Should you be successful, we will make every attempt to assign you to your preferred location and department. Ultimately though, as you will be engaged in real projects, we will need to place you in line with the needs of the business. As a result, you may need to be flexible in terms of the department and location offered to you.
Purchasing Schemes
These programmes can be based at any one of our UK sites, although the majority of Purchasing roles are based at our head office locations in Gaydon (Warwickshire) and Whitley (Coventry).
Can I defer a year?
Unfortunately, we can only offer placements to students who are ready to take on the position that year.
I'm an international student. How do I complete the sections enquiring about A-level results?
You need to work out the equivalence of your qualification to the appropriate UK qualification - e.g. A-Level, etc. If you struggle to do this, then you should contact us (using the 'contact us' option at the bottom of the home page) and we will help you to do this. Bear in mind that you need to allow around 48 hours for us to get back to you, so don't leave it until the deadline.
How will my performance be assessed?
During a 3-month or 6-month placement, you will have a performance appraisal with your supervisor. In addition, at the end of the placement, you may be asked to give a presentation on the work you completed during your time with us, to several managers. This presentation will also be assessed. The assessment process for students on a 12-month placement is similar, with the exception that the appraisals are carried out at six months and towards the end of the placement.
If you receive a positive performance appraisal and your presentation is well delivered, then you could be offered the opportunity to return for another placement the following summer.
How do the Engineering Sponsorsed Schemes differ from the summer and industrial placements offered in the 'Product Development Engineering Undergraduate Placement Scheme'?
There are three main differences. Firstly, the Engineering Sponsorship Schemes are only open to undergraduates studying Electrical/Electronic/Systems Integration Engineering or women studying appropriate Engineering subjects, whilst the other non-sponsored Product Development Engineering placements are open to all students of any relevant engineering discipline. Secondly, the Sponsorship Schemes involve an ongoing commitment from both sides. You commit to joining us every summer for a paid vacation placement (and your 6 or 12-month Industrial Placement if appropriate), until you graduate. In return for this commitment, we pay you an annual bursary in addition to the salary you earn while working for us. This £1,500 bursary is paid when you return to university every year, and is the third key point of difference, as it is unique to the Sponsorship Scheme.