TOYOTA (GB) PLC

STUDENTPLACEMENTS

Toyota history

Life at Toyota (GB) PLC

Placements at Toyota (GB) PLC

Who we are looking for

Student profiles

Recruitment timeline & vacancies available

Toyota is one of the world’s best-known and most successful businesses, building cars and trucks in 26 countries for sale in more than 170 markets around the globe. Worldwide production was 8.8 million (8.2 million for Toyota and Lexus brand vehicles) in 2013/14, making Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) one of the world’s largest vehicle manufacturers in terms of production volume.

A key element in Toyota’s success is its commitment to designing, engineering and building cars in the parts of the world where they will actually be sold. In Europe, this local manufacturing policy was launched in 1989 with the founding of Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK, which manufactures cars in the plant at Burnaston near Derby, and engines at the factory at Deeside in North Wales.

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Introduction

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The Toyota success story is built on innovation, both in terms of its products and the processes by which they are made. In 1918, Sakichi Toyoda revolutionised the weaving industry with his invention of an automatic loom. The proceeds from the sale of his patent to a British firm – Platt Brothers of Oldham – provided his son Kichiro with the finances to make a start in the developing car industry. The pioneering work practices that Sakichi had developed for his loom business were easily adapted to the new automotive operation and in 1936 the first prototype car, the Toyoda AA, was completed.

The following year the Toyota Motor Corporation was formed with an investment of about £300,000. It had a tough time establishing itself, as the Japanese car market was dominated by American imports from Ford and General Motors. World War II also threatened to destroy the enterprise, but Toyota survived and in 1947 celebrated

building its 100,000th vehicle. In the 1950’s Toyota laid the foundations for a new system of manufacturing vehicles. This was developed into the Toyota Production System, an exceptionally efficient set of principles that have been widely used and adapted within the motor industry and beyond.

At the same time as it was honing its manufacturing processes, Toyota was also looking closely at how to design and engineer more desirable and competitive products for international markets. Sales companies were set up in Taiwan and Saudi Arabia before overseas production began, albeit on a small scale, in Brazil in 1959.

It was in the early 1960’s that Toyota began importing cars to Europe, first to Denmark, entering the UK market in 1965.

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• Toyota entered the UK market in 1965

• First model launched - Corona saloon

• In 1966 the original Corolla was launched, which became the world’s most successful model range with sales of more than 30 million worldwide

• Lexus entered the UK market in 1990

• First model launched - LS 400

• Model range has since developed to offer luxury vehicles that meet a broad range of tastes and styles

Toyota history

Toyota (GB) history

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Toyota (GB) PLC is the national marketing and sales company for Toyota and Lexus vehicles in the UK, responsible for all Sales, Marketing, After Sales and Customer Relations issues nationwide.

The company’s headquarters are at Great Burgh, a purpose-built landmark building near Epsom, Surrey, where all principal operations are co-ordinated by a staff of approximately 400 people.

Vehicle imports are through a facility at Portbury, near Bristol, and sales are handled by a national network of around 200 Toyota and 50 Lexus Centres. In early 2003 a dedicated network of Toyota Business Centres was established within the sales network to cater specifically to commercial customers for both cars and light commercial vehicles.

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Toyota (GB) PLC

Toyota (GB) PLC headquarters provides fantastic facilities for staff, including a staff restaurant, cafe bar, on-site gym and free parking.

Life at Toyota2

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• Enables you to gain commercial working experience whilst giving you an insight into the practical elements of your chosen course

• Gives you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, which will give you a springboard with which to launch your career after you graduate • Provides a range of exciting, challenging & rewarding roles which provide development opportunities and the chance to make an impact on our business• Offers the opportunity to continue their

career with Toyota

Each year Toyota (GB) PLC offers students the opportunity to join us for a 12 or 24 month period and carry out a real job within our business.

Placements are available in various departments across the business including Product Marketing, Corporate Compliance, Lexus Operations, Finance, Press & PA, HR, Training, CSR, Technical Support and Lexus Marketing

A role at Toyota will give you the opportunity to use your placement year to its full potential, gaining a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience that will be a benefit to your studies and aid your career post-graduation.

Placements at Toyota

Why Toyota (GB) PLC?

All the roles give you the opportunity to gain essential business skills and abilities. Working as part of a team and supported by your Line Manager, you have the opportunity to work on key projects; some examples of existing projects undertaken by students include:• Test drive survey reporting

(Direct Marketing Dept)• Event management of product

launches / press events (Press Dept)• Organisation of Toyota Green

Month (CSR)

What do the roles involve?

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*Please see job advert for full person specification

We are looking to recruit exceptional candidates with ambition, plenty of motivation and a ‘can-do’ attitude

Who we are looking for

• Excellent communication skills• Proficient in Microsoft Office• Interest in Toyota (GB) PLC• A desire to learn and develop• Motivation & ambition

EligibilityThe student placement scheme is open to any student at a UK university who is eligible to work full-time in the UK.1 year placements Students should be studying a 4 year sandwich degree which offers a 1 year industrial placement.

2 year placements Our 2 year placements are available to students studying specific in-company degrees at selected universities.

*Please see job advert for full person specification

Skills & experience required*

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Sectors may include Benefits Application procedure

Product Marketing Corporate ComplianceLexus FinancePress & PAHR, TrainingCSR After Sales

Competitive salary Generous annual leave allowanceVehicle lease scheme Staff restaurant & café barFree parkingOn-site gym facilities

Online application: www.toyota.co.uk/careers/student-placement Alternatively, send a CV and covering letter to the address below:Toyota (GB) PLCAttn: Human ResourcesGreat Burgh, Burgh Heath,Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5UXPlease make sure your letter includes an indication of the schemes you would be interested in.

Job Start Dates Annual Vacancies

Placements start June to September dependent on role

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Student profiles5

Katherine Shill, Placement Student, Corporate Social Responsibility 2013-14I read a lot from previous students about having real responsibility. I was slightly dubious but it really is true! I led Toyota’s global Green Month project in the UK, highlighting the great environmental work that Toyota does. It’s given me a chance to work with people across the business and has really built my confidence. I now know that I have the skills to succeed in any area I choose. Toyota’s a great company to work for, and I love it!

Mat Gifford, Placement Student, Toyota Academy 2013-14During my placement I’ve led a project to improve all of our training venues across the UK. The plan I produced is now being put into practice, so I’ve made a real difference. There are a lot of events to get involved in as well, which is exciting. The role is real; I am making decisions that impact the whole business, not just my job. Toyota really treats you like a full employee, not just a student!

Callum Swain, Placement Student, Marketing Communications 2013-15I’ve learned so much, and didn’t expect to work on such high profile projects. I’m definitely not just making drinks!I’ve been involved in our recent AYGO launch, and visited our European HQ to learn about the car and the branding.Toyota is a fantastic place and even after a year, I’m still proud and excited to come to work each day.

Victoria Von Hoven, Placement Student, Network Development 2013-15My role is really varied; I’m out of the office at least once a week. I run our mystery shopper programmes, so I visit the agency to review the programme as well as our dealers to provide feedback. I’ve got so much trust from the business. I’m not just making coffee and answering the phone; I have a project and a budget that I am completely responsible for. I didn’t think that a placement would be so much fun!

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How to applyFurther details on the roles available and how to apply can be found at www.toyota.co.uk/careers/student-placement

If you have any queries, please contact the Toyota (GB) PLC HR department at placements@tgb.toyota.co.uk

October

Adverts publishedVisit us at a careers fair near you!

Mid-December

Closing date for all applications

December/ January

Shortlisting and screening

February/ March

Interviews

June – September

Successful candidates start their placements

This is our general timeline for the majority of student placements. Dates may vary for the 2 year placements.