Graduate Development

What can I expect from the CHEP graduate scheme?

You will have the opportunity to complete two rotations within our key functions, each lasting between 12 and 15 months. Typically you will be expected to complete an office-based role and one field-based role. You will meet our customers and experience first hand our business model. Key functions include Supply Chain, Logistics, Plant Operations, Sales and Customer Service.

The rotations will be real roles with real responsibility from the outset where you can make a real contribution to our business. The roles will give you practical hands-on experience as well as learning and development opportunities through E-Learning or classroom-based courses.

I’m out there in the field, hands-on, making sure everything is in place for the roll-out of the project. I like the responsibility that has been given to me in a short space of time

By the end of the scheme you will find you have significantly developed your range of skills and experience, you will discover the benefits of a new network of contacts within the business, and we’re quite sure you will have had some fun along the way.

What is a typical rotation path?

Each path is tailored to each graduate but it will typically follow the pattern of an office-based role followed by a field-based role.

We will of course take into consideration your degree area and your functional interests but we also want to provide you with a path that challenges and stretches you, so that you gain a rounded experience that significantly contributes towards your potential as a successful manager of the future.

“Working in logistics was hectic because of the daily deadlines to be met, but I was part of a great team which took all challenges in its stride and approached everything with a real team spirit.”

Who will support me through the scheme?

You will have the following people to support you throughout the process:

Buddy: You will have a functional buddy within your new department who will support you in your first few months in each new role, showing you the ropes.
Mentor: A previous graduate from the scheme who will help guide you throughout your rotations.
Line Manager: S/he will support you during your time with their department to set you challenging targets, help you to understand the bigger picture of the role and function, as well as ensure you receive regular progress reviews.

“You feel that you’re wanted here because they’ve invested so much time and money in you. For that reason, I try my hardest to do well in order to give them something back.”

Training Manager: S/he will be on hand to ensure that your programme runs smoothly, to provide you with guidance and support as you develop throughout the rotations, as well as ensuring you receive quarterly reviews with your line manager.

What does CHEP expect from a graduate?

Throughout your rotations and during your time on the scheme, we would expect you to grow as a professional and to demonstrate your increasing knowledge of the business. We would also expect to see you get involved in new initiatives, and work on process improvement projects. You will be expected to take on new challenges and demonstrate willingness to try out new departments in order to develop as a CHEP manager of the future.

Throughout your time on the programme you will have regular reviews with the training manager and your line manager, who will each monitor your development against our competency framework. This will provide you a clear understanding of what is expected of you throughout the rotations, and we will expect you to demonstrate consistent high performance levels as we guide you through the next steps.

What benefits could I expect to receive?

There is a competitive starting salary for all our graduates along with the following benefits

25 days holiday
Eligible for Brambles Pension Match scheme
Annual bonus scheme %

What are the opportunities for development?

At the end of the programme, the opportunity to do a third placement can be made available, should you wish to continue expanding your experience. You may, alternatively, wish to move on to a permanent position in a function of your choice. Whatever you decide, it is highly likely that at this stage you will have developed your skills and experience considerably, not to mention your network of contacts. If you have demonstrated consistent high performance, you may well be in high demand!

“It was clear there were many opportunities for progression"

Who is eligible to apply?

An honours degree (or equivalent), ideally 2:1
Advanced relationship-building and organisation skills
Advanced verbal and numerical critical reasoning abilities
Business proficiency in at least two languages of the European Union (including English) would be preferential; and
The existing right to work in the EEA.

How do I apply?

Applications are now being accepted for the September 2009 entry on to our Graduate Scheme.

Please apply by selecting the Opportunities tab and uploading your CV.

What happens next?

If you are successful at the screening stage, you will receive a telephone interview with our Partners Hays. You may then be invited to an Assessment Centre, where you will have the opportunity to meet with line managers and some of the HR team. Successful completion of this stage will see you being invited to meet a director within the business to discuss the options available to you.