Development is everything at TOYOTA

It's an intrinsic part of the way we work - the unique management philosophy that's made us an automotive leader. At its heart is the Japanese concept of kaizen - a belief that no process can ever be declared perfect; that there's always a better way. You can see it in our world-leading processes, our innovative products and, of course, in the way we develop our people.
 

What it means for you

For graduates fresh out of university, kaizen means constant development. Nothing stands still here - and graduates are hugely important to that. We really value the injection of energy and ideas they bring.

If you enjoy taking a practical, problem-solving approach to your work, you could go a long way here. You'll be part of a collaborative culture - a business that's always looking to the next challenge. It's only through our people's determination today that we can continue our progress tomorrow.

About the programme

Wherever you join us, you'll experience working life on the shop floor where at Burnaston we produce the Corolla model as well as engines for vehicles such as the C-HR and Prius plus in Deeside. It's demanding - but we think it's the only way to understand our unique culture and the world-famous Toyota Production System.

We place great emphasis on learning by doing - usually through structured, on-the-job training. So, over the course of our programme, you'll find yourself tackling live projects and taking on real responsibilities in your chosen field. Our graduate programme lasts just over 2 years, it is assessed and designed to help you reach the standard needed to move into a specialist position at the end of the programme.

You'll be well supported - by your managers and a personal mentor. That said, we'll expect you to take charge of your own development. Curiosity and new concepts drive our business forward - so we encourage our graduates to broaden their own horizons.

What we look for

We're looking for individuals who will share our values and believe that there's always a better way.  So, if you thrive on analysing problems from different angles to develop solutions and take a practical approach to your work, you could go a long way with us.  You will also have a consistently strong academic record, with a minimum 2:1 predicted/recently achieved* at degree level.  Additionally, for Engineering, Environment, Computer Science and Finance positions you will need to be studying a relevant degree. 

*Please note: Our graduate programme is aimed at individuals that have completed their undergraduate degree or degree with integrated masters within the last 3 years*

How it Works

You'll begin on a week long induction learning the fundamentals of the business and how we operate.  This will include information on our policies and procedures, a tour of the Burnaston factory and detail on what your programme with entail.

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Assesment

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Areas you may work

Engineering

Engineering at Toyota isn’t about nuts and bolts. It’s much more about having imagination plus the dedication to keep developing the best processes and products.

We encourage our engineers to look at things from every angle to find better ways of working. That’s always been the Toyota Way – as our founder Sakichi Toyoda put it: “Inspiration comes from many places.  We need to have our eyes, our minds and our hearts open to things we interact with every day, so open your window to the world.”  You can see that commitment reflected in cars like the Corolla. It’s what makes Toyota an outstanding place to work for inquisitive and ambitious engineers.

Production Control (Supply Chain)

Everything starts and stops with Production Control and our Supply Chain. Join us here as we control, plan and continually kaizen our vehicle and parts flow and you'll be at the centre of our manufacturing operation bringing the world-famous Toyota Production System* (TPS) to life.

You will have the opportunity to learn about concepts like just-in-time (JIT) first-hand from the company that pioneered them whilst empowering you to incorporate your innovative ideas and solutions in an ever changing digital environment.

*TPS is a lean manufacturing system designed to eliminate waste, reduce costs and keep lead times down - where Toyota has led the way, other manufacturers have followed. 

Human Resources

Our approach to people management is different.

One of Toyota's Guiding Principles is to foster a respectful, reflective culture where individual creativity and teamwork can flourish. That makes HR a visible, valuable part of our operation. To keep our products progressing and our processes evolving, it’s essential to develop our people. Our HR specialists are influential experts, and most employment issues are their business. To succeed in HR, you’ll need to be a team player yourself – as comfortable and confident on the shop floor as you are with your senior managers.

Finance & Purchasing

Finance isn’t a back office function at Toyota.

You’ll soon see that a key part of your role is to go and see things for yourself and adopt a dynamic and practical learning method. You’ll spend time on the shop floor and understanding the way we work from a manufacturing perspective. A key part of our role is to develop breakthrough initiatives to manage costs per vehicle by working closely with other departments. Whether you are in cost management, general ledger, accounts payable and received, purchasing, or investment, you'll tackle real commercial projects and discover how finance can add real value to the production process.

More information

Salary and Benefits

Your Development at Toyota Manufacturing UK

During your development programme, your salary will increase at set intervals. Once you become an Engineer or Specialist, your salary will be reviewed annually, with appropriate increases determined in line with your performance and contribution to the business.

Your contribution will also be recognised by an excellent package of benefits.

Current starting salary: £34,756 gross per annum plus overtime. Upon successful completion of the graduate programme, this will increase to just over £40,889 gross per annum.

  • Paid overtime
  • 25 days paid annual holiday
  • Bank holidays
  • Relocation assistance
  • Free workwear
  • Subsidised restaurants
  • Pension
  • Life assurance
  • Private healthcare
  • Attractive car schemes
  • Company sickness benefit
  • Workplace nursery

Graduate numbers are based on business requirements and do vary from year to year. Typically Toyota Manufacturing UK select 5-10 Placement Students and 12-22 graduates across both Engineering and Non-Engineering Divisions . 

Typically the first week of September every year. 

Degree qualified business/engineering related, interest in working within the vehicle manufacturing sector, mature approach, confident, flexible, enthusiastic, team players. Prepared to use their own initiative and implement changes.

Either Burnaston, Derbyshire or Deeside, North Wales.

Unfortunately, we can only accept applications for our graduate development programme from candidates who are legally entitled to work in the UK indefinitley. We will ask to see proof of your eligibility to work in the UK when you visit our site at the assessment centre/interview stage of the recruitment process. Typically, this is in the form of a UK or European Economic passport or similar supporting documentation as detailed on our application form.

No, whilst we appreciate additional effort undertaken to achieve a post graduate qualification, our selection decision is based on the results of the recruitment process, which is tailored to meet our specific requirements. (Achievement of 2:1 for a Degree is required).

From an early stage you will be doing a real job with real responsibility. The scheme involves a high degree of on the job training which is supported by off the job events and courses.  Line training is an important part of the scheme as it allows our Graduates to experience first hand what it's like building the cars which has multiple benefits throughout your career

If you are successful at the on-line aptitude testing stage, you will be invited to attend an on-site assessment centre at the Burnaston Plant. If you are successfully offered a position with us then a site tour will be provided during your induction week, where you will be able to see each area of the business including the factory.

There is the potential for travel to Japan or anywhere within our European operations; opportunities are based on business requirements. For the Graduate Development Programme it is likely that you will be based primarily within the UK, however you will have the opportunity to complete a secondment abroad.

Relocation support is available under certain circumstances. Your individual entitlement to this allowance would be confirmed during the recruitment process, based on a standard criteria.

Yes, Toyota Manufacturing UK provides financial support for further education, for example CIPS, ImechE, CIPD. To be eligible you must work with Toyota Manufacturing UK for a minimum of 12 months, as we believe in the first 12 months that you will already be on a steep learning curve. Toyota Manufacturing UK will pay for your course costs upon satisfactory completion. Prior agreement with your Manager to undertake the course is required. All studies must be completed within your own time.

Core training courses include:- Plan-Do-Check-Action, Problem Solving, Report Writing, Communication & Presentation Skills, Introduction to Kaizen, Health & Safety and Personal Planning.

Yes during your on-line training and secondment activity, also in general the nature of work at Toyota Manufacturing UK is often teamwork. You will therefore have the opportunity to work with multi-disciplinary teams with members from other departments.

You will attend a 5 day Company Induction with all the new Graduates and Industrial Placement students. This week will involve factory tours, team building activities and divisional introductions, which will allow you to find out more about the company and start building a network with the other graduates/placements in the cohort. This will conclude with a department introduction for a more detailed welcome Friday afternoon. 

At the end of the Graduate Development Programme (subject to satisfactory progression through the assessed scheme), you will become a Specialist or Engineer. Thereafter progression is based on individual performance and you will have the opportunity to progress to Senior and Principal Specialist/Engineer. This is followed by Section Manager, Senior Manager and General Manager. 

You will recieve a mid-scheme pay increase and then will graduate to a Specialist/Engineer role with a salary of £40,800 gross per annum at the end of the 25 month programme.

Our Success Stories

Read some of our recent sucess stories from a variety of different people in different roles