Jamie Volak has joined Kubota (UK), enrolling in a newly developed graduate management trainee programme to gain a taste of all aspects of the business.
Coming from a non-farming background, Jamie recently graduated from Leeds University having completed a business management and environment course, with the aim of pursuing a role in corporate management.
“I had no specific focus on any industry, though I’ve always had an interest in farming and food production,” he says. “I’ve been watching from the side lines for many years.”
Jamie’s decision to join Kubota was influenced by the company’s global presence, along with the opportunity to progress through the business via its graduate management trainee programme.
“The chance to join Kubota – an industry-leading, global manufacturer – has really opened up a lot of long-term opportunities for my career,” he says. “And that could include being based anywhere in the world.”
The two-year graduate management trainee programme is structured to give management trainees a period of six months working within each of four key areas of the business; agricultural and ground care machinery; aftersales; construction; and engines.
Jamie has already been completed his time within the parts and aftersales department, where he was focussed on data analysis, business planning and marketing support. He is currently working within the agricultural and ground care machinery division.
“It’s been quite an eye-opener to look at the different markets that Kubota is in, and to see how current conditions are impacting each division, in addition to exploring how farmers can diversify with new start-up technology.”
“Kubota’s business is far more diverse than I’d ever thought, and so far, the graduate management trainee programme has been beyond my expectations,” he adds.
Taking a long-term view, Jamie is focussed on using the graduate management trainee programme to secure full-time employment within Kubota (UK).
“This is a fantastic opportunity to see what works well for me, and also where I’ll fit best within the company with a permanent role, either in agricultural and ground care machinery, aftersales, construction, or engines,” he adds.
Away from work and when not enjoying time with his friends, Jamie enjoys a round of golf, and is something of an audiophile, having recently started a vinyl music collection.
