'We're thinking about big ideas'

"People don't always think engineering is creative, but it really is," says Emma Robinson, who joined Nestlé's graduate scheme last September. "We’re drawing things, we're thinking about big ideas – it's really exciting. We're the people who figure out how to make 'that thing' a reality."

Emma is currently based at the Nestlé Product Technology Centre in York – the company’s global research and development centre for confectionery, where the team come up with new product and process innovations working on brands such as KitKat.

"I design and create bespoke equipment for our factories," the 24-year-old explains. "My work is mainly in chocolate. And yes, there are lots of opportunities to eat chocolate!"

Offered in a range of sectors, from engineering and technical leadership, to sales and HR, Nestlé's graduate schemes last two years and give candidates the chance to experience different roles across the business.

"I'm moving to Nestlé's centre in Buxton after this to work on water," says Emma. "I’m really excited as experience in different products will help make me a better engineer."

Inspired by her love of chemistry in school, Emma completed a master’s degree in chemical engineering. She was then drawn to Nestlé’s graduate scheme as it would, she says, “develop me and not leave me in the corner”.

The global company offers opportunities in different categories and even the chance to work abroad.

"My days are really varied," Emma says. "Some days I might be working in the pilot plant, helping the other engineers in my team with a trial. Other times, I might be designing something on our in-house 3D modelling software, or even making a new process and instrumentation diagram. It's really motivating to see how far I've