- Contract: 12-13months FTC
- Start dates are usually in June/July
- Hybrid working: We want you to get the best out of your placement, so we operate a hybrid policy where undergraduates work in the office 3 days per week. There may be times where you will need to be in more frequently depending on the needs of the business.
To apply for our undergraduate placement scheme, you must be studying for an undergraduate degree that requires a placement year. Master’s students are not eligible for this placement.
Please consider before applying if you live more than 60 minutes away from post code MK15 8HG, that you would need to relocate to either Milton Keynes or be a commutable distance (within 60 minutes).
We’re looking for an undergraduate to join our Corporate Communications team as a Communications and PR Undergraduate where you will help plan, create and distribute content that informs, engages and connects colleagues across VWFS. From colleague newsletters and intranet content to events, video, campaigns and PR support, this role is perfect for a creative communicator who enjoys variety and pace. If you want a creative communications placement where your work contributes to real business outcomes, we want to hear from you!
What will you be doing?
- Support internal communications activity across the business, including the company intranet, digital screens and colleague events.
- Maintain communications plans to help the team deliver content at pace and on time.
- Create and distribute internal communications, from written news articles to video content and engagement campaigns.
- Support logistics and materials for internal events, stakeholder meetings and post-event content.
- Work with stakeholders across the business to understand messages and share them clearly with colleagues.
- Manage analytics and reporting on communication effectiveness and recommend improvements.
- Support external communications activity such as LinkedIn content planning, press release review and content ideas.
- Produce and share the weekly e-newsletter to colleagues.
What are we looking for?
- A strong communicator who can build credible relationships across all levels of the business.
- Excellent written communication and proofreading skills.
- Creative skills, including video editing ability using Adobe or a similar platform, would be beneficial.
- Strong analytical skills and confidence simplifying complex information for different audiences.
- Highly organised and able to manage multiple projects and short deadlines.
- Energetic, resilient and willing to learn new skills.
- Excellent attention to detail with a focus on quality and consistency.
- Confident using Microsoft 365 Office applications.
Why apply for an undergraduate placement with VWFS?
Here at VWFS you'll be able to kick start your professional experience in the workplace. We take on 49 undergraduates each year which we find really helps our undergraduates as you all go through the programme, building your knowledge and networks together.
You’ll also benefit from
- A focus on personal development with access to LinkedIn Learning via our ‘Degreed’ platform and a bespoke development programme throughout your placement year delivering personal management, technical and soft skills including building successful relationships, presentation skills, IT skills and data literacy.
- A supportive environment and network of colleagues to help you get your best out of the year – in a recent survey, 100% of our undergraduates said they felt valued and supported.
- The opportunity to work on real life business projects and deliver impact around topics like sustainability.
- Subsidised onsite canteen and coffee shop
- Subsidised onsite restaurant with a range of hot and cold breakfast and lunches.
- Employee Resource Groups supporting an inclusive workplace
- Social gatherings and team events & volunteering opportunities.
- Physical and mental health support with our Onsite Wellbeing Centre
Discretionary benefits include
- Bonus: Discretionary bonus based on both personal and Group company performance (pro-rated)
- Car schemes*: The opportunity to join our popular car scheme plus car insurance cover.
- Pension: Employer pension contribution of 9% (based on employee contribution of 3%). VWFS will pay 6% if employee chooses a 2% employee contribution. From day 1 we provide income protection, life assurance (4x salary), will writing, retail discount vouchers, access to Care Concierge (a service to support carers of adults). Private medical insurance is available following successful completion of probation.
What our recruitment process looks like
- Apply and upload your CV, covering letter and answer a few application questions.
- You’ll be invited to complete a Situational Judgement Test. This is a short multiple-choice question set to help us understand how you may approach situations.
- If you pass this stage, you will be invited to complete an online video interview where you will have the opportunity to tell us more about yourself.
- If successful, your last step in the journey is to attend an in-person Assessment Centre at our Milton Keynes office. You’ll also meet some of our managers and our current undergraduates to find out more about a placement year with us.
Please note: Our undergraduate placement roles do not meet the UKVI’s criteria for the skilled worker sponsorship route, therefore we are unable to accept candidates requiring sponsorship for this role.
*More information about car schemes
Our current car schemes are under review following changes in legislation from HMRC and so whilst we don’t have full details of our car scheme to share with you now, we will let you know what this looks like as soon as we are able.
Please do not apply for more than one placement role with us. This will ensure that you are considered for the placement that you are most interested in, and your skills are aligned to.
