Heathcoat Fabrics

Graduate Development Programme

Recruiting emerging talent is key to our success. We understand that graduates can bring a wealth of knowledge and could develop to become key members of our team. With development of technology and a greater focus on protection of the environment, graduates are perfect for developing fresh ideas and helping see operations from new perspectives. Residing in the beautiful South West of England, our Graduate Development Programme aims to provide you with both technical, and business knowledge, whilst developing personal skills and experience for your individual career path.

How the programme works

  • Initial 2-year rotational programme with the option of an added third year of specialisation
  • 6-month rotations in chosen areas or dependent on your degree and further educational pathway

Some opportunities include:

  • Gaining knowledge in project management
  • Gaining exposure to technical and non-technical disciplines
  • Providing support to operational teams utilising learned leadership capabilities
  • Internal/external training and experiences to aid development

Graduates will be given a personal mentor for the duration of the programme, be given daily coaching as appropriate, and have structured weekly and monthly reviews to enable you to enhance your performance and experiences.

Application process

  1. Fill in the application form and attach your CV
  2. Meet and greet conducted online
  3. Site tour (optional)
  4. Attend the Graduate Recruitment Day

The graduate recruitment day will include:

  • Competency based interview
  • Behavioural assessments
  • Team role play

During the Graduate Recruitment day, the candidate should:

  • Have a ‘hands-on’ flexible approach to learning within a production/manufacturing environment, as well as an office and laboratory
  • Foster good relationships with all members of staff met
  • Leave a lasting imprint to become part of the company’s talent pool

Graduate Responsibilities

Graduates’ responsibilities will include

  • Shadowing staff members
  • Participating in learning experiences both internally and externally
  • Attending workshops and meetings
  • Travelling externally to gain practical experiences
  • Keeping records of your time at the company and presenting your results at the end of each rotation

Graduate Trainee Requirements

There are several requirements for the scheme including:

  • A degree in a relevant field (STEM/Business Management)
  • Previous work experience is not necessary but may be advantageous
  • A valid driving licence or working towards
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Exceptional research abilities and willingness to grow
  • A positive attitude and growth mindset

Graduate Trainee Skillset

As part of the Graduate Development Programme, you will be expected to provide commitment to extend your own learning which incorporates the following skills and behaviours:

  • Honesty and Integrity
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Listening skills
  • Compassion and understanding
  • Leadership
  • Presentation and communication skills

Benefits of working at Heathcoat

Environmentally conscious company

At HFL we have a vision of creating an environmentally conscious environment whether it be through personnel or processes

Generous holiday entitlement

We offer 34 days’ holiday per year with a mix of flexible and fixed entitlement

Personal learning and development

Whether it's through training, attending events or shadowing employees, we strive to aid your development on a day-to-day basis

Competitive salary

We offer a competitive salary with an annual cost of living review and a company profit share scheme for all employees

Company profit share scheme

Twice a year, we distribute a percentage of the company’s profits to our current employees

International travel

We want employees to experience external aspects of work so offer the opportunity to travel abroad for exhibition events, supplier and customer meetings, or conferences

Staff discounts and benefits

A wide range of discounts are available with local businesses, including garages, gyms, and hairdressers, whilst also having access to benefits such as dental plans

Flexible starting dates

On the graduate scheme, we offer you the opportunity to choose when you wish to start

On-site canteen

A subsidised on-site canteen offers hot or cold meals and snacks

Tech and cycle schemes

We offer a cycle to work scheme with designated on-site covered cycle storage

Meet our graduates

Graduate Stories

Adam - Energy Specialist

“The graduate scheme is challenging but in a good way. Utilising the knowledge learnt in education can be challenging at times but once you succeed you feel a real sense of pride and reward. Its nice to be a part of a company with a direction of improving sustainably and that we are doing our part for the planet”
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Jamie - Development Graduate

“Since joining Heathcoat’s I have been amazed at how diverse and in depth the technical textile industry is. The graduate programme has allowed me to develop my textile knowledge drastically whilst adjusting to full-time work, which was made a lot easier by the welcome environment. One project has been to undertake a refresh of the company website”
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Georgie - Development Engineer

“As a development engineer at Heathcoat, the type of projects I work on are varied, some conceptual and some customer lead. It has given me a lot of opportunity to refine yet expand my knowledge on textiles and the many applications for which I never thought about during my undergrad studies”

Magnus - Development Graduate

“Heathcoat Fabrics Ltd has been a fantastic environment to work in after Academia. The quick paced nature of the work, and the broadness of the range of products that Heathcoat offers means that there is always something fascinating going on in the R&D department. Being part of this as a graduate is very exciting as new opportunities for growth in your own skills are numerous"
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Harry - Development Graduate

“Everyone is so welcoming and passionate about their area of work, so it is easy to find out so much about the company by just talking to its employees. It is also great to see the emphasis on personal development and various training and growth opportunities offered to Graduates"
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Jack - Development Engineer

“In my time with Heathcoat’s I’ve had the opportunity to travel and meet people from all over the world, I’ve learnt new skills, and been pushed to develop myself both personally and professionally. I’m incredibly grateful for the experience gained and the people who’ve guided me!”

Megan - Development Engineer

“Working at Heathcoat’s has given me the greatest opportunity to explore woven textiles. As development engineers we are pushed and given the freedom to research, develop and innovate the technical textiles sector - I have learnt a great deal at Heathcoat’s and I am excited to continue this journey”

Interested?

If you are interested in discovering your potential at an environmentally conscious, highly profitable, and expanding business, or simply have any further questions, then feel free to contact the Human Resources Department.

graduates@heathcoat.co.uk

If you wish to fill out a graduate scheme application, simply use the button below.

Application Form