We answer some of the most commonly asked questions about our graduate programme.
Our graduate FAQs
As a Placement Student, could I be offer a permanent role once I graduate?
That is a possibility, we do think of the Placement Scheme as a potential talent pipeline into our business. However, an offer would depend on your performance in the role and the availability of a suitable permanent role being identified for you.
Do I need a driving licence?
We would prefer for you to have a licence as it opens up opportunities and some roles specifically require this – please see individual job descriptions for more details. Some of our roles mean travelling between sites and visiting various suppliers, so in this case you will need to have a full valid UK driving licence.
Do you accept international applicants? If so, do you provide sponsorship for work permits or visas?
We may be able to sponsor Visa application if the role, to which you are applying, appears on the Home Office Shortage Occupation list, for example - Production and Process Engineers. For further information please use link below:
Yes, each year we take on around 6-8 placement students across the business.
How can I prepare for the interview?
As with any new role you might be looking into, research always goes a long way. Try to familiarise yourself with our brand values and think about how you could make a real difference at apetito. Read the website, focusing on the areas which will apply to your role. We also have a strong presence across social media, this is a great place to hear about all our latest news, including recent award wins, charity work or to read some of our latest media coverage.
How do I apply for a one-year placement?
Any placements that we have available, will be advertised on our Graduate and Placement Roles page.
How do I return to the apetito online application form?
You will hear the outcome of your initial application by email within 2 weeks of the vacancy close date. From receiving your application through to making an offer, the entire process will take around 2 months.
How many roles are you recruiting for?
Each year we recruit around 10-12 Graduates.
How much will I be paid?
We offer a competitive starting salary – please contact us if you would like more information. Individual performance-related pay increases are made at the end of July and January within the two-year programme, starting in July, following your September start. A company performance bonus is received annually as a one-off payment at the end of January each year. The bonus is non-contractual and depends on company performance.
How will I know that you’ve received my application?
You’ll receive an email from our recruitment team to let you know that we’ve received your application. Be sure to check your junk email in case our acknowledgment email has been sent there.
I am having technical issues with my application, who can I contact?
You’re very welcome to apply again but you’ll need to wait until we start recruiting for the following year’s intake. Try to think about the skills we’re looking for and how you might be able to develop or strengthen those skills in the meantime.
What are the average working hours as a graduate on the programme?
All our graduate roles are full time positions. This means that your working week will be 37.5 hours. No one day is the same and work life balance is key for us here at apetito. You’ll have peaks and troughs in your workload, and it’s really up to you to manage your day. What’s key is that you deliver in your role – and you should always shout up if you have too much or too little work.
What are the entry requirements for the scheme?
Please see each individual job descriptions for details of the requirements for that role.
What does the application process involve?
Once you have completed your online application, we will shortlist candidates. If your application is successful, we’ll invite you to complete online aptitude assessments. The assessments for graduates include verbal and numerical reasoning. The tests will be sent to your email address for you to complete.
If you pass the assessment, we’ll invite you for an initial interview which usually includes a business presentation (the topic will be provided) and an activity, so that we can find out more about each other. There may also be a further final interview where required.
We’ll contact you to let you know the outcome of your interview(s). If you’re successful, we look forward to welcoming you to apetito and guiding you through your induction.
When can I apply?
We start advertising our graduate roles from October.
When will I start work with apetito if successful?
If you’re joining us as a graduate, you’ll be starting in September each year.
Where will I be based?
As a graduate on one of our programmes, you’ll be most likely be located at our Head office in Trowbridge, Wiltshire. However, some of our Graduate roles are home based, for example our Sales roles, so you could be located anywhere in the UK, depending on the requirement for the role. Please see individual job descriptions for more details.
Will I be offered the opportunity to work abroad as part of the graduate programme?
This depends on the role and the team you join and on the nature of your role. Either way, once you’ve finished your programme you’ll find there are all sorts of opportunities to work internationally.
Will I have a permanent role at the end of the programme?
The role you are joining is a permanent role from day one, subject to a 12 month probationary period. At the end of the programme you do not automatically change role, where you go next will largely be driven by you and the opportunities in our business at that time. Throughout your time on the graduate programme you will have reviews to discuss your development, progress, and next steps; and you will receive support from your line manager and the Executive board throughout the programme.
