The first interns employed at a Midlands-based business improvement company are on the fast-track to success after playing key roles in the organisation’s nationwide achievements.
Human Resources Administrators Ashley Blenkinsop and Bianca Williams along with Marketing Project Administrator Reshma Amin and Business System Co-ordinator Jevgenijs Sagans have made such a positive impression that KM&T is involving them in the recruitment process for the next quartet of interns.
All the students from Coventry University, who are working at the Puma Way-based company in Coventry, have brought huge benefits to KM&T who specialise in implementing ‘lean’ business techniques.
Birmingham-based Bianca (21) led the company through the Investors in People award to help KM&T reach the gold standard at the first attempt which only two per cent of companies achieve.
“I identified how we were going to communicate Investors in People with the rest of the staff in order to gain the award and to show them the rewards,” Bianca said. “We were really happy to secure the award and to receive such positive comments from the assessors.
“The internship has helped me realise the areas of human resources I want to concentrate on as a career and the practical side of human resources relating to real life instead of just studying the subject.”
Ashley (22) from Willenhall, Coventry, has introduced a new induction programme for newcomers to the company as well as completing entry forms for two national awards which included KM&T being shortlisted along with multi-nationals Mars and Sainsbury’s in the Recruiter Awards for Excellence 2013.
He said: “We have been given our own projects and we have all made changes. I have even changed my own processes from those that I put in place when I first arrived!
“They were all my own ideas and built upon the processes which KM&T already had. The internship has given all of us great experience which will prove invaluable in the future.”
Amy Foster, Human Resources Manager at KM&T, said: “The achievements of our first interns have totally surpassed our expectations because they have made a real difference to the company – and we are going to really miss them.
“They are currently involved in putting together the modules for next year’s interns and they will be part of the interview panel which should give them an interesting perspective from the employer’s viewpoint.”
Matthew Jayes, Student Placement Adviser at Coventry University, added: “Coventry University is proud to work closely with KM&T and our students greatly appreciate the opportunities which have been provided since the summer.
“Together, we have established various types of work placements to suit the projects which were required and we look forward to maintaining this fantastic relationship in the future.”
