Frequently Asked Questions
1. How committed are you to training graduates?
Pilkington is committed to developing individuals to reach their potential. Together with your manager, you will agree a structured development plan combining job experience and formal training which will help you to acquire the tools, techniques and experience necessary for a career with Pilkington. Most of our graduates will also have the opportunity to study for a business qualification or become a member of a professional institute. For example, the Pilkington Engineering Development Scheme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Institution of Engineering & Technology. You will be assigned a mentor to counsel and advise you during the early part of your career and regular performance and development reviews will take place to ensure you are on the right track.
2. What is the starting salary and how often will this be reviewed?
For 2009 salaries will be in the range of £21,500 - £24,000 dependent on qualifications and skills. Salaries are reviewed on a 6 monthly basis during the first two years and are linked to performance.
3. Do I need to be mobile?
Your development plan may be made up of a series of assignments or secondments and as Pilkington is becoming increasingly global, it is possible that such assignments could be anywhere in the world where Pilkington operates.
4. How long will it be before I achieve a management position?
Whilst there will be slight differences between the function and business you are recruited to, in general, graduates should expect to have moved into a managerial role within 4-5 years. However, this is fully dependent on individual performance and development of competencies.
5. Will I receive help in finding accommodation?
We will arrange and provide local accommodation (on a bed/breakfast basis) for 4 weeks for graduates who have to re-locate. Graduates will be expected to find their own accommodation thereafter. Assistance will not be given to those graduates who live within commuting distance.
6. Will I get to meet other graduates?
On joining Pilkington, you will attend a Corporate Induction Programme where you will meet graduates from other businesses and functions. This is an ideal opportunity for networking and making new friends!
7. When does selection begin and how long will it last?
The selection process commences as soon as application forms are received and we expect to have completed the first stage by the end of January. Assessment Centres are likely to run from Jan-March.
8. What will the Assessment Centre consist of?
The Assessment Centre is a two day event, which will include an interview, verbal and numerical tests, a number of business exercises and a site visit. You will also have the opportunity to meet some senior managers informally over dinner and there will an opportunity to talk to some recent graduate entrants.
9. How are travelling expenses handled?
Pilkington will reimburse reasonable travelling expenses within the UK if you are required to travel away from university.
10. How can I obtain an application form and what is the closing date?
You can download an application form from the How to Apply section. It is not our normal procedure to receive enquiries or applications by post but if, in exceptional circumstances you need to contact us this way, the address is:
Graduate Recruitment Officer
Pilkington Group Limited, Prescot Road, St Helens, WA10 3TT
e-mail: RecruitG@Pilkington.com
NOTE: This e-mail is for applications for the Graduate Recruitment Scheme in the UK only
The closing date for applications varies, please see individual vacancies
11. Do you operate an Industrial Training Scheme?
We may offer a limited number of 12 month industrial placements. Details will be advertised within this Careers section.
12. Do Pilkington accept applications from graduates requiring work permits?
Yes, your application would be treated exactly the same as any other, should you be succesful Pilkington would fully support your application for a Work Permit.