Job Description

We offer an annual undergraduate placement opportunity commencing in July/August for a period of 12 months based at our site in Ashbourne, Derbyshire.  The aim of the opportunity is for the student to spend time in each department across the year allowing them to experience the different functions within the business. Two days every week will be spent in the formulations department where they will gain hands on experience of formulating products that are manufactured at the Ashbourne site. This will enable good knowledge of the raw materials used in premix, farm mineral, milks and concentrates to be gained together with how they are labelled. A month will be spent in our QC/QA department where an insight into our quality control systems will be gained. This will allow hands on experience of the raw materials used and products manufactured together with a insight to the way in which the various production lines operate. Four different sessions will be spent in the lab with the opportunity to gain hands on experience with both NIR and wet chemistry. Differing amounts of time will be spent in other departments such as customer services, purchasing, production and raw material planning. There will be ample opportunity to be involved in specific projects which have been varied over the last years with previous students carrying out the following:-

Scour and dehydration in calves and the concept of osmolality

Method of controlling fermentation and nutrient loss in Total Mixed Ration (TMR) for ruminants

Controlling fermentation to optimise productivity of liquid feed for swine

Measuring and interpreting carbon footprint on dairy farms

Energised Lamb Milk

Past placement students have gone on to work as nutritionists, product specialists, laboratory technicians with some coming back to work for Trouw following graduation.

We are looking for undergraduates with a keen interest in animal nutrition, either from a technical point of view, or a business/economical point of view, who can work on their own initiative and can demonstrate strong computer skills, together with a keen enthusiasm for learning.  You will need good communication skills and not be afraid to give something a go and ask colleagues for advice and support.

Closing Date for applications is 17 January 2025