Sheffield Hallam University: Work Placements
As a rapidly growing business, we’re in an almost constant phase of building, developing and reshaping our workforce. That growth isn’t a given. To maintain it, we need to ensure that we’re recruiting the right people, in the right places and most importantly providing them with the support required for them to be the best that they can be.
Giving talent the opportunity to shine in a supportive environment is key to what we do. We provide our employees with the time and space to learn. That’s something which helps deliver results further down the line, not only for the business, but also the individual in terms of personal development.
Almost 15 years ago we began a relationship with Sheffield Hallam University in which we take on a number of their students on an annual basis. Most spend a period of 12 months working full-time within our Account Management team however, other departments have also benefited.
These hands-on placements give students their first experience of a real world business environment. The chance to apply some of their learnings from their first two years of study is something many of them have found invaluable. It not only turbocharges their knowledge as they head into their all-important final year, but also provides them with experience to draw upon when applying for graduate jobs post-university.
The benefits for all parties are huge. We receive an annual supply of eager young individuals, keen to put what they’ve learnt at university into practice. Sheffield Hallam are able to enhance their student experience by providing opportunities to work alongside their teaching. And the students themselves are provided with a dynamic and friendly environment in which to develop, whilst being supported by managers that are well attuned to the scheme.
And on top of all of that, many of our placement students are offered the opportunity to gain full-time employment with us after the completion of their degree.
“Spending a year in industry was the best move that I could have made for my career and I was very lucky to have spent that year at Kitlocker.com!
“The invaluable experience that I gained from working a full-time role in a professional, fast paced and high pressure environment gave me the insight I needed into life after university and allowed me to hone my skills.” Lewis Furness (Sales Executive, Kitlocker.com).
15 of our current employees initially joined us on placement from Sheffield Hallam University. Some of which are now part of Kitlocker.com’s senior leadership team and all of which are integral members of various departments. There are also 12 other employees that studied at Hallam but joined via different routes (including our two founders).
Among others, our current sales, marketing, IT and HR managers all first arrived at Kitlocker.com as placement students. Exemplifying not only a very exciting pathway for those who want to develop their careers with us after their placement, but also that our business is a place in which people want to stay long-term.
The increasingly competitive jobs market, especially for new graduates, makes real world business experience all the more important when university leavers begin their careers. And the prospect of potential long-term employment and career development within Kitlocker.com is another big motivating factor for many of the students we take on.
“Kitlocker.com have provided Sheffield Hallam students and graduates with a wealth of opportunities over the years allowing them to apply their learning in a supportive, engaging, and exciting environment.
“You can really feel the buzz from students when they return from their placement, internship, or paid employment. They bring with them a new ambition for success with newfound knowledge and experience. We are proud of our partnership with Kitlocker.com and how they inspire everyone who works with them.” Esther Kent (Academic Director for Employability, Sheffield Hallam University).
We’re really proud of the relationship we have built with Sheffield Hallam University and the people we have helped mold into fantastic young professionals.
The supply of fresh energy and ideas has been a huge driving factor for the business and the placement scheme is something we’re looking forward to developing further over the coming years and beyond.
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