 | Introduction
Wella UK provides a 12-month industrial placement for approximately 5 students. The placements offer work experience in areas such as Product Marketing, Marketing Consultancy, Logistics, PR, Market Research and Management Accounts departments.
Each is a full-time role with genuine responsibilities, giving an authentic, realistic work opportunity with inherent development opportunities.
Preparing for the placement
We approach a number of relatively local universities including Plymouth, Bournemouth, Bristol and Brighton, advertising the positions available and requesting applications.
For those selected, the induction programme is a combination of informative presentations and interactive exercises. In addition we organise evening social events, for instance 10-pin bowling, or a softball game that involves both the existing and commencing student groups.
The Personnel Development Manager acts as mentor during this period. The Company assists where necessary with sourcing accommodation and landlord issues, although we encourage independence.
Outcomes of the work undertaken
The projects our placements are involved with are wide and varied, some may be short, whilst others last for the full 12 months. Some have full individual responsibility, whilst others are shared as the student operates within a team. |
Examples could include:
| - | Brand launches and relaunches – leading to successful promotional campaigns and increased sales |
| - | Design and co-ordination of point of sale material to accompany brand activity – leading to increased exposure, consumer awareness and sales |
| - | Design and content writing for the brand website – leading to improved image and consumer awareness |
| - | Design of marketing materials and promotional activity for key account hair salons – meeting customer expectations of service levels and generating business for key business partners |
| - | Design of Wella technical training manual – leads to customers placing employees on approved Wella training courses, potential new customers and increased sales through increased customer product confidence and user skills |
| - | Organisation of major customer events, e.g. Overseas Seminar in Brazil, Hairdressers Network Event – leading to enhanced customer loyalty and understanding |
The student group is also invited to participate as advisors to local school students for the 'Young Enterprise' scheme, a realistic business exercise in which pupils form a company for a 12 month period. Our students visit regularly, typically every two weeks, to provide guidance and business advice, which fits very well as most of our placements are studying business related degrees. This not only enables them to transfer aspects of their knowledge gained but also begins to shape their interpersonal skills of communication, persuasion, providing direction and guidance.
What makes this work placement exceptional
Placement students can expect to be treated like permanent employees - their performance will be reviewed, monitored, supported and rewarded in the same manner as any of their working colleagues.
At the same time, we believe our culture supports the transitional move from study to work life and encourages everyone to further their learning whilst simultaneously enjoying the experience to the full.
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