Graduate Scheme

Our business is changing for good

About Us

With the merger of ICI Paints and AkzoNobel in 2008, AkzoNobel has become a business whose brands are recognised across the world and used everywhere from Wembley Stadium and Sydney Harbour Bridge to your front door.

A Global 500 company and listed on the FTSE4Good and Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes, we are the world’s largest coatings manufacturer, the leading supplier of specialty chemicals and the number one in decorative paints. There’s no doubt we’re doing a good job for our customers today, but we want to ensure we continue to do good for customers and society tomorrow, so we’re putting sustainability at the heart of everything we do.

Our business is divided into three separate operations: Decorative Paints, Performance Coatings and Specialty Chemicals. Our graduate placements are in the Decorative Paints division based in Slough, Berkshire.

About Decorative Paints

As the world leader in decorative coatings, we have some of the best-known brands in the business - Dulux, Cuprinol, Glidden, Hammerite, Polyfilla and Sikkens to name but a few. We don’t just bring colour to the world - our products protect buildings around the globe and promote safety and good health. As well as paints, lacquers and varnishes, we make adhesives and floor levelling compounds and offer a range of mixing machines, colour concepts and training courses for the building and renovation industry. Our specialty coatings for metal, concrete and other critical building materials lead the market. All these products are used everywhere from the London Eye and Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium to schools and hospitals and relied upon by everyone from professional contractors to DIY enthusiasts.

Furthermore we are passionately committed to sustainability and in the Decorative Paints Division alone we have produced 67% less Ozone generators, reduced greenhouse gases by 18% and energy use by 13% between 2000 and 2005. In addition we’ve removed one million litres of volatile organic compounds from our water based paint, our Dulux Trade Ecosure range was a category finalist at the Green Business Awards 2008 and, as part of the AkzoNobel Community Programme, we have supported almost 800 projects across the world. We’re certainly looking forward to a very bright future – we hope you’ll be part of it.

About Our Graduate Development Programme

Your development is as important to AkzoNobel as it is to you. We see you as a future senior business manager and can offer you the opportunities to nurture your talents to achieve that vision.

We’ll support your career aspirations and harness your commitment and ambition through an individual development programme that will be bespoke to your role. Far from telling you what to do, we’ll encourage you to use your passion, take the initiative and drive your career yourself. Alongside your functional and individual training you’ll be provided with development opportunities under our Graduate Development Programme.

This programme has been created to provide graduates with an understanding of AkzoNobel and a network of contacts throughout the company. From day one you’ll be fully integrated into the business and working on real-life company issues as you are developed by training events aimed to enhance your business-based knowledge as well as your management and team working skills.

At AkzoNobel we have a number of graduate opportunities across different disciplines. We have roles in:

• Customer Business Development/Sales
• Marketing
• Research & Development
• Engineering for Manufacturing
• Supply Chain
• Finance
• Human Resources
• Information Technology
• Purchasing

To apply for our 2010 Graduate Programme please register at http://www.akzonobel.com/graduates.

About Our Undergraduate Opportunities

Undergraduates can gain real hands-on work experience by applying for the Summer Internships or Industrial Placements run by various parts of the business. These opportunities are also an excellent way for you to show us your talents and potential if you’re considering a future application to our Graduate Development Programme.

We have roles in Customer Business Development/Sales, Marketing, Research & Development, Engineering for Manufacturing, Human Resources, Information Technology, Purchasing, Supply Chain and Finance.

Our Summer Internships are usually available to apply to from October to December each year. These are for 12 weeks and usually commence in July.

Industrial Placements vary from six to 12 months and typically start in July, however this is flexible. These are usually available to apply to from October to November each year.

For more details please visit http://www.akzonobel.com/graduates.

Student Profiles

Gurdeep Singh Saini

Studied Business Computing & IT BSc at Aston University
Customer Business Development (Sales) Graduate

After surfing the net to identify companies that would provide the best career opportunities Gurdeep was drawn to AkzoNobel and its Graduate Development Programme.

"My aspirations are for a career in a commercial role in either sales or marketing. I wanted to work with successful brands and the AkzoNobel portfolio contains some of the biggest and most well known brands in the decorative paints market, such as Dulux and Cuprinol. As a global business the company also offers opportunities to work with people from different geographic markets. I was also attracted by the company’s ‘can do’ culture. From the first stage of the recruitment process I knew the company was a good fit for me and subsequently I’ve found my ideas’ are always listened to, senior managers are accessible and support is always available.

I’ve joined the Graduate Development Programme as Customer Business Executive in the Homebase team. It’s a customer facing and commercial role and I am responsible for the instore marketing activity of our specialty brands in Homebase, one of the biggest DIY retailers in the UK. All retail markets are under pressure which makes this an exciting and dynamic environment to work in. My role is varied, diverse and no two days are ever the same. In the morning I could be working with design agencies to develop new point of sale or designing an advertisement for a DIY magazine. In the afternoon I could be presenting activation plans for our latest innovations to the buyer or working with our account managers to understand our sales for the week and develop promotion plans. I’ve also been able to take on additional responsibilities including the development of a Woodcare Training initiative to train all Homebase store staff on Cuprinol products.

The programme has developed my understanding of a whole host of topics such as business financials, commercial understanding and business planning. In addition AkzoNobel also runs a number of academies in marketing and sales which offer dedicated training on topics including category management, negotiation and effective communication.

The most satisfying aspect of my role is that it is value adding. I’ve had responsibility and ownership from day one and am expected to grow the business. I controlled my own marketing budget and have been the lead point of contact on many projects. I am now looking forward to completing my second year placement in the trade side of the business and build on my sales experience.’’

Holly Glover

Studied Molecular Biology and Biochemistry BSc at Durham University
Marketing Graduate

After experiencing a summer internship with ICI (acquired by AkzoNobel in 2008), Holly was keen to develop her career with the company on the Graduate Development Programme.

"I knew from my summer internship with ICI that the business was people focused. It sounds corny but I enjoyed the working atmosphere and relationships with colleagues and knew it was the kind of place I wanted to work. People are open, helpful, highly driven and enjoy the kind of environment that gives people the opportunity to shine.

Although not having studied marketing at any point my core skills are a great fit and the company is well resourced to give me on the job and theoretical training. In marketing, every day is different and I enjoy real responsibility and ownership of my own projects. Work is very varied. I could be working with internal departments such as R&D covering issues like product development or with external partners such as design, PR or advertising agencies. I go to photoshoots and also visit our suppliers or factories as well.

I’ve enjoyed comprehensive training covering topics from presentation and influencing skills to managing creative agencies and other business skills as part of the Graduate Development Programme. We rotate job roles too which helps keeps us fresh. After a year stint in Trade marketing (Assistant Marketing Manager – Sustainability) I moved to Specialist Brands as an Assistant Brand Manager on one of our newly integrated brands. I am now Brand Manager for Specialist paint and soon to be moving to another brand – Polycell. I consider myself lucky to have a role where I can bring products to market and make a real impact picking colours, naming colours, specifying packaging and so much more! I’ve learnt a lot about business and myself which has been great."

Internships

Supply Chain (Engineering) Industrial Placement Year

2010 – 2011 – Starts 1st July 2010

Slough and Stowmarket

Put your learning into practice and develop your expertise while gaining valuable business experience in a high profile, Global Fortune 500 business. Having recently acquired ICI Paints, AkzoNobel is home to famous brand names like Dulux, Cuprinol, Glidden, Hammerite, International, Polyfilla, Sikkens and many more. The world’s largest coatings manufacturer, one of the chemical industry’s leaders on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and number one in decorative paints, we can offer a unique working environment that will make the most of your abilities.

Joining our Paints business on a 1 Year Industrial Placement (Sandwich Year) within the Manufacturing & Operations function you will be involved in live projects and issues for AkzoNobel, which could mean occasional working at different sites throughout the UK or Republic of Ireland.

Our Manufacturing & Operations function is at the core of the Paints Business and covers a range of areas from procurement, planning and manufacturing through to engineering and logistics. As well as enjoying exposure to different parts of the business, you will receive structured, tailored development across the breadth of the Supply Chain environment through challenging real-life projects and roles designed to enhance your skills. As well as general project management activities, you will be involved in specific projects that could include plant optimisation, working with quality teams on improvement initiatives, continuous improvement in Safety, Health & Environment and sustainable development.

To be considered for this industrial placement, you must be expecting to achieve a minimum 2:1 degree or equivalent* in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering). You must also have achieved a minimum 22(280)UCAS points or equivalent* and speak fluent English.

It goes without saying that you’ll be a highly motivated undergraduate who is interested in a Supply Chain career and keen to contribute to the progress of engaging projects within our operation. What makes you different is your creativity, innovation, proactivity and ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines.

Closing date: 13th November 2009.

* Please visit the FAQ section of our website www.akzonobel.com/graduates for equivalencies in your country.

Finance Industrial Placement Year

2010 – 2011 – Start s 1st July 2010

Slough

Put your learning into practice and develop your finance expertise while gaining valuable business experience in a high profile, Global Fortune 500 business. Having recently acquired ICI Paints, AkzoNobel is home to famous brand names like Dulux, Cuprinol, Glidden, Hammerite, International, Polyfilla, Sikkens and many more. The world’s largest coatings manufacturer, one of the chemical industry’s leaders on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and number one in decorative paints, we can offer a unique working environment that will make the most of your abilities.

Joining our Paints business on a 1 Year Industrial Placement (Sandwich Year) within the Business Finance team, you will be involved in live projects and commercial issues for AkzoNobel, which could mean occasional working at different sites throughout the UK.

Welcomed as an integral member of the team, you’ll work alongside experienced professionals and have the opportunity to see how academic theory is applied in a competitive business environment. Designed to develop your business awareness and skills the placement will see you operating at the heart of the business. You’ll enjoy exposure to a wide range activities from providing accurate and timely financial management information in relation to cost management covering budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and analysis to working closely with business managers at all levels assisting them in the understanding and forecasting of their team costs.

To be considered for this industrial placement, you must be expecting to achieve a minimum 2:1 degree or equivalent* in any discipline. You must also have achieved a minimum 22 (280)UCAS points or equivalent* and speak fluent English.
It goes without saying that you’ll be a highly motivated undergraduate who is keen to contribute to the progress of our business. What makes you different is your creativity, innovation, proactivity and ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines.

Closing date: 13th November 2009.

* Please visit the FAQ section of our website www.akzonobel.com/graduates for equivalencies in your country.

R&D (Analytical) Industrial Placement Year

2010 – 2011 – Start s 1st July 2010

Slough

Put your learning into practice and develop your expertise while gaining valuable business experience in a high profile, Global Fortune 500 business. Having recently acquired ICI Paints, AkzoNobel is home to famous brand names like Dulux, Cuprinol, Glidden, Hammerite, International, Polyfilla, Sikkens and many more. The world’s largest coatings manufacturer, one of the chemical industry’s leaders on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and number one in decorative paints, we can offer a unique working environment that will make the most of your abilities.

Joining our Paints business on a 1 Year Industrial Placement (Sandwich Year) within the Materials Characterisation Group you will be involved in using a wide range of analytical techniques in support of a number of business critical R&D projects.

An integral member of the team, you’ll be specifically working in our chromatography group supporting a number of key research projects by being involved in solving chromatography problems to UKAS standards. This placement is designed to enhance and develop your analytical and team working skills, as well as build your understanding of polymerisation chemistry and formulation science. To broaden your experience further you’ll also have the opportunity to work as a member of the research team.

To be considered for this industrial placement, you must be expecting to achieve a minimum 2:1 degree or equivalent* in Chemistry. You must also have achieved a minimum 22(280) UCAS points or equivalent* and speak fluent English.
It goes without saying that you’ll be a highly motivated undergraduate who is keen to contribute to the progress of engaging projects within our operation. What makes you different is your creativity, innovation, proactivity and ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines.

You should have some previous experience of laboratory work with the ability to work accurately, tidily, methodically and safely adhering to safe working practices, policies and procedures at all times.

Closing date: 13th November 2009.

* Please visit the FAQ section of our website www.akzonobel.com/graduates for equivalencies in your country.

R&D (Chemistry) Industrial Placement Year

2010 – 2011 – Start s 1st July 2010

Slough

Put your learning into practice and develop your expertise while gaining valuable business experience in a high profile, Global Fortune 500 business. Having recently acquired ICI Paints, AkzoNobel is home to famous brand names like Dulux, Cuprinol, Glidden, Hammerite, International, Polyfilla, Sikkens and many more. The world’s largest coatings manufacturer, one of the chemical industry’s leaders on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and number one in decorative paints, we can offer a unique working environment that will make the most of your abilities.

Joining our Paints business on a 1 Year Industrial Placement (Sandwich Year) within the R&D team you will enjoy responsibility for improving existing and developing new decorative paint products.

Involved from day one, you’ll work closely with a range of internal business functions on a variety of projects. These could include carrying out experimental work to obtain data contributing to the achievement of group technical objectives and cost saving initiatives to testing new formulations and products. This placement is designed to enhance and develop your analytical and team working skills, as well as build your understanding of polymerisation chemistry and formulation science.

To be considered for this industrial placement, you must be expecting to achieve a minimum 2:1 degree or equivalent* in Chemistry. You must also have achieved a minimum 22(280) UCAS points or equivalent* and speak fluent English.
It goes without saying that you’ll be a highly motivated undergraduate who is keen to contribute to the progress of engaging projects within our operation. What makes you different is your creativity, innovation, proactivity and ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines.

You should have some previous experience of laboratory work with the ability to work accurately, tidily, methodically and safely adhering to safe working practices, policies and procedures at all times.

Closing date: 13th November 2009.

* Please visit the FAQ section of our website www.akzonobel.com/graduates for equivalencies in your country.