Intern Programme Info Pack
What does this pack cover?
▪ Intern Programme Overview
Success Stories
Placement Cycles
Intern Learner Journey
The Pledge
Mentoring and Support
Executive Sponsorship
What is the Intern Programme
Since its launch in 2019, each year we partner with Novus and local Universities as we welcome talented students to join our Intern Programme.
Joining us within their academic placement year, our Interns are given the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge through multiple placements across our Yorkshire based locations, offering them business-wide experience and exposure across a variety of functions.
Our structured Intern Programme offers participants the opportunity to:
✓ Gain valuable skills and experience across a variety of functions
✓ Experience diverse roles and responsibilities to help them find their best fit
✓ Make an impact through the assignment of a unique programme project
✓ Learn from subject matter experts through mentors and buddies
Intern Success Story
Name: Carl Hepworth
Studied: Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Current Role: Palletline Supervisor
Joined: 2020
“I was originally attracted to Expect as it was one of the smaller companies on the NOVUS employer list, so I thought I would be closer to the action. I honestly think this has been a really significant part of my development, as a lot of my friends who had joined large corporates shared that they felt isolated. I also lived locally – meaning I could achieve a good work life balance too.
Even at this early stage of my career, I was trusted to support in covering more senior members of the team in their absence, giving me a real variety in my work and allowing me to make a real difference! Whilst it was challenging at times, my colleagues and managers always tried to find ways to push me out of my comfort zone.
After graduating I joined Expect permanently, in the Customer Care team. In more recent times I am proud to say I have secured a promotion to Palletline Supervisor, where I now manage a team. I work very closely with our partner, striving for continuous improvement in all that we do. This also led to my most recent achievement where I was awarded the Rising Star award at the Pallet Line Awards - a very proud moment for me!”
Read Carl’s full story on our website!
Intern Success Story
Name: Joe Gomez
Studied: Business Management
Current Role: Intern
Joined: 2023
“I began my internship with the Transport team, answering phone calls from our Professional Drivers whilst they were on the road completing their daily deliveries and collections. This role pushed me out my comfort zone seeing my confidence and communication skills grow.
During my induction, I was given the opportunity to experience what it is like as a Professional Driver. Seeing this first-hand enabled me to really understand the role, learning about their challenges out on the road and how what we could do back in the office to help and support them.
In the later part of the programme, I moved to another Expect location and undertook a placement with the Warehousing team. My role was supporting with administrative requirements for a number of client accounts. I was also fortunate enough to be able to work at this location during a period of considerable growth following an acquisition. I was tasked with supporting the onboarding of these new accounts to successfully integrate them into our operation and ensure their service expectations where met.
My advice to anyone thinking of applying for the Intern Programme would be - just go for it! Make the most of every opportunity. You never know your potential until you try and as someone who had no sector experience before, I am now proud to be able to support others in progressing their career here too.”
Read Joe’s full story on our website!
Placement Cycles
Each Summer our newest cohort of Interns join our business to begin their journey with us. Our programme offers participants a minimum of two placements, along with a unique programme project assignment.
Placement opportunities will vary and wherever possible will be matched to compliment the individual participants career aims and objectives.
The unique programme project is assigned in the early weeks of the Internship and is a collective brief where cohort participants are encouraged to partner together.
At the close of the programme, participants will be invited to showcase their project outcomes, results and/or recommendations to the Board of Directors at the graduation lunch.
Placement 1 (Month 1-6)
Placement 2 (Month 7-12)
Intern Learner Journey
As well as offering our Interns practical experience, we ensure they are supported from Day 1 - with a structured and varied learner journey.
The Pledge
To enable both the intern and line manager to get the most out of the placement opportunity, we ask that they pledge:
The Intern Pledge
✓ Embrace the experience, seeing every day as a learning opportunity, showing willingness and enthusiasm
✓ Take a self-starting approach to objective setting discussions with their line manager
✓ Participate in intern performance check ins and end of placement reviews in collaboration with their line manager
✓ Attend and contribute to all community events, widening their network and knowledge
The Line Manager Pledge
✓ Arrange a pre boarding check in where a site visit and introductions to be made prior to starting
✓ Ensure a comprehensive induction plan, mentor and buddy assignment
✓ Set clear and SMART objectives along with completion of the intern performance check ins and end of placement review
✓ Facilitate release to attend community events and provide ongoing support and guidance
Mentoring and Support
We strive to ensure our Interns are supported on every step of their journey with us – that’s why they’ll be matched with both a mentor and programme buddy through the course of their internship.
Senior Leader Mentor
All interns will be assigned a mentor from across the business. This support begins from day one and will continue throughout the course of the programme. The mentor will support the Intern to settle in, widen their network, further develop their skills and support them in considering their future career options.
Programme Buddy
All Interns will be assigned a programme buddy. This support begins from day one and will continue throughout the course of the programme. The buddy will support the Intern to settle in, help strength their understanding of their role and offer useful advice and insights.
Executive Sponsorship
Our business strategy features a strong focus on talent development, which is why our Intern Programme is sponsored by Operations Director, Andy Taylor.
“As a former Graduate myself, I know first-hand how instrumental programmes such as our Intern Programme can be. Since its launch back in 2019, our team have responded to the changing needs of our early careers talent to continually enhance our programme.
The programme is designed with the aim to harness and develop future talent within Expect Distribution, and it is incredibly rewarding to see Interns returning to us post-graduation to embark on permanent roles.”
– Andy Taylor, Operations Director
