Placement Experience: HRM Training Placement at MINI Plant, Oxford.

I am seven months into my HRM Training Placement at MINI Plant Oxford and it has flown by! It has been filled with countless opportunities that have helped me to develop both professionally and personally working alongside two training teams under one department umbrella.

Working in the Associate Training team has allowed me to explore an aspect of the business that has a significant amount of behind the scenes work that not a lot of people see. I have had the opportunity to develop marketing materials to showcase the training we offer, create my own training materials for use across the business, and strengthen my data analytical skills - a skill I had very limited interaction with at University. Alongside this, I have also had the opportunity to work with external companies. I was able to work closely alongside them to create training material to target specific training needs within the business.

On the other hand, working within the Apprentice Team has allowed me to see the dedication that goes into building young people’s careers. I have been able to welcome our new first year apprentices as well as celebrate the achievements of our graduating apprentices all within my first few months and it was so rewarding to be a part of.

I have also been able to work closely alongside some of our apprentices in our Charity Champions Team, helping them raise a total of £3283 in 2023 for CALM, through sports days, bake sales, car washes and more. Being a part of the team has challenged me in various ways, liaising with all aspects of the business to ensure an event runs efficiently, significantly improving my organisation and communication abilities. I can’t wait to see what else they come up with this year!

Outside of the internship I have also been able to help the MINI Plant Oxford Race Team, OX4 Racing. I have been the face behind the social media for the past few months which has allowed me to gain experience beyond the internship. Enabling me to explore aspects of the business I would otherwise have limited knowledge of.

Thank you to everyone who has made the experience so far what it has been, from pushing me out of my comfort zone to providing support and guidance when needed. I have just under six months more in the business and I’m looking forward to seeing what else I can get involved in.