Where will I be based?
What are your academic requirements for graduate applicants?
What if I have completed a MSc or PhD, rather than a MEng?
I am a Foreign student, will Interfleet sort out a work permit?
What emphasis do you place on previous work experience when considering applications?
What is the dress code?
What is the attitude to out of work commitments?
How do junior and senior members of staff interact? Is everyone on first name terms?
Is there a lot of out of hours socialising, either privately organised or arranged by the company?
Staff "full of clones". How does your company encourage individuality and cater for individual identity?
What is the average working week for new recruits?
Am I allowed to receive personal e-mails? How are my e-mails monitored?
How quickly do graduates assume responsibility?
How long do graduate recruits stay with the organisation in general?
I want to take a gap year after my studies. Is this OK?
If I get an offer, when will I start? Can I start early/late?
Can I join Interfleet but not on the Graduate Development Scheme?
Will you pay my expenses if I am called for interview?
Is there a closing date for applications?
How easy is it to find accommodation local to the office of work? What are rent and purchase prices like? Do you help graduates find accommodation?
Will you provide any relocation reimbursement?
Do you have a policy on drugs and alcohol?
Where will I be based?
Graduates are primarily based at out Derby office during their first two years though may undertake placements at other locations. These may be at one of Interfleet’s other regional offices or with other companies (within the UK or overseas) on external placements. Graduates are expected to be responsible for organising their own placements and can do so to fit with their own requirements and aspirations within the confines of the Graduate Development Scheme. At first appointment (after the first two years), there may be an opportunity to be relocated from Derby to one of Interfleet's regional offices. Previous graduates have taken first appointment in London or one of our Australian offices.
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What are your academic requirements for graduate applicants?
You must be studying (or have studied) on a degree programme in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a similar/equivalent subject, e.g. Mechatronics, and be expected to achieve (or have achieved) a 2.1 or above. In addition, your course must be accredited by the IMechE or IET as meeting the academic requirements for corporate membership and registration as a Chartered Engineer. Generally, this means Masters (MEng) courses for the IMechE but Bachelors (BEng) courses are often accredited by the IET. If you are unsure whether your course meets these requirements, please ask your university or refer to the lists of accredited courses available on the institution websites.
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What if I have completed a MSc or PhD, rather than a MEng?
You will still be considered as long as your degree is relevant and accredited. However, Interfleet cannot offer research work.
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I am a Foreign student, will Interfleet sort out a work permit?
Interfleet are able to help with sorting out work permits for foreign students.
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What emphasis do you place on previous work experience when considering applications?
An Industrial Placement, related to the type of work the Graduate plans to do is an advantage. However, we see benefit in any type of work experience, whether paid or voluntary, and this should be included on your CV.
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What is the dress code?
We are a professional international consultancy and so must project a good business image to all of our clients. Employees are expected to adopt a smart style of dress and appearance that is appropriate to the image of ITL. Suitable alternatives (such as polo shirts or overalls) are often worn when working at or visiting external sites such as depots or workshops.
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What is the attitude to out of work commitments?
While at work, the company rightly expects commitment from its employees. However, most departments will operate quite flexibly. Essential appointments, which cannot be rescheduled outside of work time, will usually be accommodated, providing the goodwill of the company is not abused.
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How do Junior and Senior members of staff interact? Is everyone on first name terms?
All employees are expected to treat each other with respect. The company prides itself on having a very open culture. All employees, however junior are valued and are encouraged to put forward ideas to management.
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Is there a lot of out of hours socialising, either privately organised or arranged by the company?
The Graduates have a Social Committee, set up by the Graduates and run for the Graduates. Recent events have included Paintballing, go-karting, and usual nights out socialising.
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Staff "full of clones". How does your company encourage individuality and cater for individual identity?
We are looking for graduates who are capable of thinking outside the box, question current practice, and find ways to improve the current working practice.
Through career development, we encourage and respond to individual initiative and want you to help shape your own career, making the most of your strengths and interests, rather than be told what and where you are going next.
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What is the average working week for new recruits?
Graduates are expected to work a minimum of 37 hours per week. The company generally does not expect people to work long hours, however your flexibility to work later is appreciated if from time to time there is a business need.
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Am I allowed to receive personal e-mails? How are my e-mails monitored?
The company provides the e-mail system for business use, although some minor personal use is acceptable. E-mails can be monitored in respect of numbers and content.
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How quickly do Graduates assume responsibility?
Although the Training Scheme lasts for up to 2 years, Graduates work in real teams on real projects from the start, and are given responsibility early. Progress can be quick for graduates who show they have high capability and potential.
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How long do Graduate Recruits stay with the Organisation in General?
Interfleet Technology has an outstanding Graduate Retention Record. Since 1999, 85% of our Graduate recruits are still with the company. (The national average is around 55%.)
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I want to take a gap year after my studies. Is this OK?
We normally recommend that you apply in the academic year preceding your start with us. This would mean applying in the final year of your course to start in the summer after graduating or during your gap year if you want to start after that.
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If I get an offer, when will I start? Can I start early/late?
Our graduate induction takes place commencing the week of the summer bank holiday (the last Monday in August) which means starting on the Tuesday of that week. It is not possible to start after this date but you will be given the option to start earlier than this should you wish to do so.
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Can I join Interfleet but not on the Graduate Development Scheme?
Unless you have previous industry experience or equivalent, we generally recommend that the GDS is the best way for graduates to start on their career with us as it provides the necessary framework and support for development and progression towards chartered status. We do have other opportunities available, however. Please see our Career Opportunities website for more information.
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Will you pay my expenses if I am called for interview?
Yes - we will reimburse all reasonable travel expenses you incur in attending an interview with us.
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Is there a closing date for applications?
No, but the earlier you apply the better your chances. We close applications when we have filled all our places which is normally around March each year.
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How easy is it to find accommodation locally to the office of work? What are rent and purchase prices like? Do you help graduates find accommodation?
We provide support in helping individuals find accommodation, and actively encourage individuals to meet and discuss these issues with our current graduates prior to joining the company.
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Will you provide any relocation reimbursement?
Our HR department and current graduates will be able to recommend local accommodation options and assist you but we do not pay for any relocation expenses you may incur.
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Do you have a policy on drugs and alcohol?
In line with the rest of the UK railway industry, you will attend a drugs and alcohol test shortly prior to starting with Interfleet. Random tests are also carried out on employees from time to time or following incidents. A copy of our Drugs and Alcohol Policy and Procedure will be sent out with all offer letters.
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Recruitment Process
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