What made you decide to pursue a graduate scheme?
I studied Psychology at university but knew I didn’t want to pursue a career in the field, so when I graduated I was unsure of what I wanted to do next. A graduate scheme felt like the perfect bridge between education and employment. You aren’t expected to know everything when you start, and there’s a strong focus on learning and development. At the same time, you’re trusted to take on responsibility at an early stage which gives you a real sense of purpose.
The rotational structure was particularly appealing because it offered the opportunity to experience different roles and functions before committing to a specific career path. Rather than moving straight into one entry-level position, I could build a broader understanding of the business while figuring out where I wanted to take my career.
I was also attracted by the emphasis on development and mentorship, which is something CCEP does particularly well. I've benefited from support from a graduate buddy, a site mentor, a senior mentor and my line manager throughout the programme. Having access to people with different experiences and perspectives has given me valuable guidance, support and exposure as I've developed in my role.
What was the application process like for CCEP's programme?
Like most graduate schemes, there were several stages to the application process, including online assessments, a virtual interview and an assessment centre. From application to receiving an offer, the process took around three months.
One thing that stood out to me was CCEP's use of strength-based assessments rather than the more traditional competency-based approach. As a graduate, that felt encouraging because there was more emphasis on your potential, motivations and how you approach situations, rather than simply what you've done before.
The atmosphere at the assessment centre felt much more welcoming and relaxed than others I attended. We all ate together, chatted throughout the day, and it genuinely felt like the assessors wanted to get to know us as people, not just potential employees.
I've since had the opportunity to support assessment centres for apprentices and technicians, which has given me a behind-the-scenes perspective on the process. Seeing it from the other side only reinforced my initial impression. There's a real focus on creating an environment where individuals have the best opportunity to succeed and show what they can bring to CCEP.
When did you join the programme, and how has your experience been so far?
I joined the programme in September 2025. Our initial onboarding in the Uxbridge head office was a great opportunity to bond as a cohort and gain a better understanding of the business. I then began my first rotation in Wakefield; with over 600 employees onsite it was a little intimidating at first, but everyone was very welcoming and I quickly settled in.
Over the past year, I've rotated through a variety of factory functions, giving me a unique opportunity to see how different teams work together to keep the site running. This broad exposure helped me understand how each area influences the others and gave me a holistic understanding of the operation. This was especially useful when I started working on projects for the manufacturing lines – my favourite part of this year. I've worked closely with individuals from the frontline through to management, and been able to deliver meaningful projects. It's been a great environment to learn, ask questions and build confidence.
I'm now preparing for my next two rotations in London, which is another exciting step in my CCEP journey. One of the things I've enjoyed most about the programme is the variety it offers. Constantly learning, meeting new people and experiencing different parts of the business has been incredibly valuable in helping me understand where my strengths and interests lie as I work towards securing a long-term role.
The warm and welcoming culture has underpinned all of these experiences. CCEP is the kind of place where you'll have a casual chat with someone and only realise later that they're actually quite senior. People are approachable, supportive, and genuinely interested in helping you learn and develop.
What advice would you give to university students thinking about applying?
My application really benefitted from researching CCEP's values, projects and initiatives. During the assessment process, I was able to reference examples such as the company's ‘Everyone's Welcome’ ethos, major projects like ASRS 2, and initiatives such as ‘Support My Cause’. This not only helped me stand out but also gave me a better understanding of CCEP's culture and what the business is all about.
I'd also encourage applicants to think about flexibility. The graduate scheme offers opportunities to experience different roles and locations, which is one of its biggest strengths. Being open to new challenges and environments can help you get the most out of the programme, but it's important to consider whether that level of variety is right for you.
Most importantly, be yourself. CCEP's graduates all bring different backgrounds, personalities and experiences to the business. The application process is designed to help the team get to know the real you, so don't try to give the answer you think they want to hear. Be authentic and focus on showing what makes you unique.