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     ​Apply for the PPG AC UK Undergraduate Placement Scheme.
    Marketing
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    Marketing Assistant (x2)

    These roles involve working in a fast-paced, dynamic brand strategy, gaining invaluable experience working across multiple brands and key channels along the way. From delivering events and campaigns to planning and implementing tactical marketing plans and evaluating marketing activities, you will contribute to achieving overall departmental and organizational objectives. 

    Marketing Assistant -  Job Description PDF
    Marketing Assistant -  Apply through our Portal

     

    Commercial
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    Commercial Team Roles

    The commercial department supports and facilitates the operation, development and growth of our network of decorating centers and retail outlets. The roles in this department are varied and may involve travel within the UK. Successful candidates are likely to have excellent communication skills with a range of internal and external contacts. Each role is a great opportunity for a placement student to be involved in real-life projects and to make tangible improvements in the teams they operate in.

    Network Development Assistant - Job Description and Application

    Commerical Support Management Trainee - Job Description and Application
     

    Finance
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    Finance Analyst

    Working as a member of the Commercial Information Team you will be providing financial support, reporting and varience analysis to all relevant operational areas of the business, as well as providing an understanding and insight into the key financial drivers to enable effective business decision making.

    Finance Analyst - Job Description and Application
     

    Assistant Financial Analyst - AC Northern Europe

    Working as an Assistant Financial Analyst you will be providing financial support, reporting and varience analysis for the Architectural Coatings SBU across Region North (UK&I, Scandinavia, Benelux, Germany, Austria, Sweden). As well as providing understanding and insight into the key financial drivers to enable effective business understanding for non-finance.

    Assistant Financial Analyst AC Nothern Europe - Job Description and Application
    Supply Chain
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    Supply Chain Analyst - UK

    This is an incredibly exciting role working with our customers to deliver end to end improvements within the Supply Chain. We are looking for someone who is ready to take on the challenge of managing a number of projects that impact on all areas of ours and our customers supply chain that will revolutionise the way we manufacture, move and store product for the customer, giving you the opportunity to work on end to end supply chain projects that impact on the PPG and Customers processes and cost

    Supply Chain Analysist UK - Job Description and Application


    Supply Chain Analyst - Region North

    This is a fantastic opportunity to work within our Region North (UK&I, Scandinavia, Benelux, Germany, Austria, Sweden) Supply Chain. We are looking for someone who is ready to take on the challenge of managing a number of projects that impact on all areas of ours and our customers supply chain, that will help to revolutionise the way we manufacture, move and store product for the customer.

    Supply Chain Analyst Region North - Job Description and Application
     

    Process Improvement Analyst

    Working as a member of the Business Process Improvement (BPI) team, you will be providing operational support to different functions within the wider Supply Chain, in particular Manufacturing and Production. Gaining knowledge of the different areas of the factory you will work with various teams to undertake analysis of current data, systems and procedures, making recommendations and  improving in alignment with the business strategy.

    Process Improvement Analyst - Job Description and Application

    Engineering
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    Process Engineer

    Working as a member of the Engineering team, within the Architectural Coatings division of PPG, located between our Birstall and Morley sites, you will be providing operational support to the Supply Engineering Management team.
     
    Within this role you will gain knowledge of the different departments within production, making recommendations and finding solutions to improve product output, whilst assist with the heavy work load of a busy engineering and maintenance department.

    Process Engineer - Job Description and Application
     

    Automation Engineer

    Working as a member of the Engineering team, you will be responsible for providing operational support to the Supply Engineering Management team. Within this role, you will assist in key projects and be involved in day to day problem solving, whilst analysing current inefficiencies within our automation systems and proposing solutions.
     
    As you gain knowledge of the different departments within production throughout your time here i.e. Engineering, Manufacturing, BPI, Logistics, this role is the perfect opportunity for anybody wanting to expand their knowledge and gain some valuable experience in the field of Automation.

    Automation Engineer - Job Description and Application

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    Click on the tabs below to read testimonials from our previous placement students!
    Marketing
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    Marketing Assistant

    “My first few months as Marketing Assistant for Johnstones Trade have taught me a lot. I have already had the chance to be part of launching new, innovative products into the market. Knowing my work has an impact on the business is very exciting and I am looking forward to working on more upcoming projects. I have had the opportunity to go on factory tours, visit our decorating centres and be part of photo shoots to inspire our consumers. As PPG is a global company I have had the chance to improve my communication skills by discussing key issues with other employees from around the world. – Romy Ledder, Brand Marketing Assistant (Intake 2018)
     

    “I am currently a Marketing Assistant for Leyland Trade. I have enjoyed learning about the brand along with gaining an insight into PPG as a global company. It has been a challenging and enjoyable experience taking on the day-to-day responsibilities of a Marketing Assistant. I have enjoyed store visits as it has provided me with the opportunity to see the products in store and receive feedback from different retailers and independent stores.”- Ellie Westwood, Brand Marketing Assistant- Leyland Trade (Intake 2017)

    “My role as a Channel Marketing Assistant so far has been better than what I expected. I have already been given important opportunities and projects to work on that will help me build my confidence and overall business skills throughout the year. PPG are a global company and I am excited to see where the role will take me in the future.” – Rhiannon Barker, Channel Marketing Assistant- Johnstone’s Trade (Intake 2017)

    Commercial
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    Commercial Support Management Trainee

    “I spent my placement year working in the Commercial Support office at PPG, I have really enjoyed my role as it has given me a good insight into how excellent customer service is delivered, as well as a greater appreciation of why it is important to maintain customer satisfaction. You are given real responsibility to contribute to your department’s development and goals while still working in a supportive environment.”– Joseph Teal, Commercial Support Management Trainee (Intake 2016)

    “Having the opportunity to work for a global company with friendly values is invaluable experience in a real world business environment. I am given real responsibility within my projects that allows me the opportunity to gain vital skills that add value to the company. A placement at PPG is a great way to kick start your professional career gaining real genuine business insight!” – Holly Heathcote, Commercial Support Management Trainee (Intake 2017) 

    “Working as part of the protective coatings team requires me to liaise closely with logistics and warehouse management teams. The commercial support role has enabled me to develop my customer service skills and gain an insight into some of the projects and processes that are put in place to improve the customer journey. This job comes with real responsibility and accountability which I believe has enabled me to fully benefit from my placement year. It is a fast paced environment with lots of support from colleagues.” –  Ameer Jaber, Customer Support Management Trainee (Intake 2018)
     

    Network Development Assistant

    “The network of decorating centers and retailers we operate through give rise to many projects relating to store layout, new property, property relocations, geo-mapping and stock profiling, all targeted at improving top line growth and reducing costs. You will be involved in delivering these projects with the potential for travel within the UK to see and understand their impact. This will all be supported by background data analysis.” - Joseph Shaw, Network Development Manager and former Project Analyst

    "So far working in the Commercial Operations department as the Network Development Assistant has allowed me to enhance my university knowledge and apply it to real-life scenarios. I get to see the theory I have learnt whilst at university in action which I think is really eye-opening and interesting. Our department works closely with all the different functions of the business, which is really good as I have met a lot of new people and networked with various different people from within and outside the business, which I find quite beneficial as I know who I can speak to for help on projects I am working on. My role is focused around the network of the business in terms of our decorating centres and I get to work quite closely with the team to ensure all operations are working effectively and efficiently within our network. A lot of the work I produce is used to improve decision-making processes, which is something I wanted to partake in when I applied for my placement and I really enjoy working in an ever-changing, fast paced environment which is always growing as it gives me something new and interesting to do every day" Hafsa Nakhuda, Network Development Assistant (2018 Intake)


    National Accounts Support Trainee

    “On my placement year I was based in Sheffield and for the first 5 months I worked in the decorating centre gaining product knowledge and understanding the different types of customers. That’s one thing I loved about my placement year at PPG- I had a ‘real’ job that I could see was directly creating more business for the Sheffield area. Once my placement year ended, I was offered a contract to come back after my final year of University.”- Emma Cresswell, Commercial Tender and Support coordinator and former Commercial Support Management Trainee (Intake 2015)
    Finance
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    Finance Analyst  

    “I have found my role so far to be interesting and rewarding; I produce reports that are used in decision making company-wide, which really makes me feel valued as an employee. Working with other teams within the Finance department really puts the subjects learnt at University into perspective. One of the best things about working at PPG is the friendly environment and approachability of both managers and directors.” – Jinder Toor, Finance Analyst (Intake 2017) 

    "I am currently working as the finance analyst within the CIT team. I am enjoying my placement very much as it is very rewarding knowing, that the work I am doing is being used by different levels of management and aiding them in their decision making, this real responsibility is exactly what I wanted from my placement. I am looking forward to the months ahead as I have been given the opportunity to travel to the Netherlands. Working for PPG has meant that I have been able to get exactly what I want from the placement year". Ameenah Jalil, Finance analyst (Intake 2018)

     
     

    Supply Chain
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    Supply Chain 

    “I joined PPG Architectural Coatings in August 2015 as Business Process Analyst. I was able to learn and practise Business Process Improvement methodology, a globally recognised way of thinking to increase efficiencies, improve quality and reduce operating costs. I now have a great understanding of how to structure and manage tasks and projects to meet their objectives successfully – something easily transferrable to both work and student life.” – Matt Stone, Currently a Supply Chain Analyst and formerly Business Process Analyst Placement (Intake 2015) 
     

    Business Process Analyst 

    “During your time in the role, you will be working as a fundamental part of the Business Process Improvement unit. You will gain experience applying improvement methodologies such as Six Sigma on a daily basis, as well as your work being very diverse, flexible and insightful.Having the opportunity to undertake projects that will change the way the business unit operates will assist you in gaining valuable skills, and an understanding the context of real life business operations.” – Harvey Hirst, Business Process Analyst (Intake 2016) 

     

    Engineering
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    Packaging Technologist

    “Working as a Packaging Analyst with an engineering background I have already been given important projects to work on. I have been included in problem solving teams liaising with people from various other departments, who have all been very welcoming and willing to help. So far it has been thoroughly enjoyable, gaining an insight and hands on experience into the sections of the business that I wouldn’t normally interact with as part of my role.” – Zareena Shabudin, Packaging Analyst (Intake 2017)

    Project Engineer

    “Engineering within PPG is an important facet to the global organisation of coatings manufacture. In essence, because of the volumes and materials we work with, the safe use and processing of these materials falls heavily in the hands of engineering. We are either working to improve the safety of the processes or trying to improve them by making them better, faster, cheaper!” – Hafeez Ahmed, Project Engineer

    WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

    Our vision is to be the world’s leading Architectural Coatings company by consistently delivering high-quality, innovative and sustainable solutions that customers trust to protect and beautify their products and surroundings. This vision will guide us on our journey toward our common goals and principles.

    Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers’ biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. PPG has a long heritage of and commitment to innovation, sustainable product development and community engagement.

    ABOUT THE SCHEME

    Would you like to work for the world’s leading Architectural Coatings company?

    At PPG, our 47,000 employees around the world work every day to “protect and beautify the world”. Collaborating closely with our customers we supply and manufacture commercial paints, wood-care and specialty coatings worldwide. We deliver the latest technologies and operational advancements. Through our portfolio of brands that our customers have trusted for more than 130 years. As well as providing high quality trade and retail paint, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products and construction markets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than any other company.

    The placement scheme at Birstall has grown considerably since the first intake in 2013, and offers roles across the company to suit your degree. Each role is engaging and will allow you to expand on the skills and knowledge gained from university and apply them to a corporate environment. During your placement year, you will be given many opportunities to develop and enhance the skills you have gained at university. PPG will ensure you get the most out of your time whilst also making you feel comfortable and confident throughout the year.

    The placement scheme receives positive feedback from students each year. They have the opportunity to work on significant and meaningful projects whilst working with their peers to recruit the following years intake.

    “The UK & Ireland business unit has been running the PPG Placement Scheme since 2013 and has seen many students return on a full-time basis after graduation. The PPG Placement Scheme can be seen as more than a year industry, it can become a gateway to a career in a global organisation that spans across 70 countries worldwide. You will work as a key member of your function and be given the opportunity to demonstrate your capabilities and add value to our business, helping you to build a portfolio of achievements within a fast-paced working environment.”- Matt Stone, Currently a Supply Analyst and a former Business Process Analyst Placement Student (Intake 2015)

    HOW TO APPLY? IT’S EASY, FOLLOW THESE STEPS….

    Applications for our 2020/2021 roles have now closed.