V.Group (“V.”), the global ship manager and marine services provider, has been running a Graduate Programme since 2015. This year’s intake will be the eighth – there was no intake during 2020 due to the global Covid Pandemic.
The intensive 2-year programme is designed to introduce bright, ambitious and self-motivated individuals to the operational, commercial and functional areas of V. Its aim is to provide on-the-job learning to fully immerse our graduates in the world of shipping.
V. is proud of its programme, which sees graduates from many different countries across Europe, Asia and the Middle East spend the first two years of the programme on 4 separate placements in V. offices across the globe.
Since joining in September 2023, the most recent intake has seen thirteen graduates spend time with our Health, Safety, Security, Environmental and Quality (HSSEQ) team in Glasgow, work within our Ship Management Fleet Cells, in various locations, and support the HR team in Manila. They have also experienced placements in Singapore, London, Monaco, Hamburg, Poland, Cyprus and Greece, providing them with exposure to our Finance, Operational Excellence, SeaTec and Leisure functions. As well as learning about V. overall, our graduates contribute to specific projects, ensuring their contribution is of value to V. right from the start.
At the end of the 2 years, we endeavour to retain all our graduates who have completed the programme – some have gone on to be leaders in V. We are investing in their development and ultimately providing them with the opportunity of a long-term career at V.
Diane Gillan, Global Head of HR, who leads the programme for V., commented: “I have been involved in our graduate programme for many years now and I am always impressed by the calibre of the candidates who apply to join V. They come from all different backgrounds and parts of the world, but what they have in common is a passion for the shipping industry.
“Our programme is intensive but gives all our graduates a full-rounded experience of V., allowing them to make the right decision about their future in maritime.”
Siddhesh Deva who joined the programme in September 2023, added: “I am now halfway through the programme and already feel that I am contributing significantly to V., as well as having learnt about the maritime industry, I have worked within SeaTec and Performance PMO, through my first two placements. I am now about to start my third assignment and looking forward to learning about Fleet Cell Management based in Singapore, as well as meeting new colleagues in a different part of V.”
The recruitment and selection process starts every January, when the programme opens for applications. After the initial screening and online test, shortlisted candidates attend an assessment centre involving in-depth interviews and activities supported by Directors and Senior Managers from V., which ensures that our intake for that year is made up of the best candidates available.
Before joining their first placement, our new intake attends a week-long induction process at our Glasgow office. As well as learning about V., being introduced to key stakeholders, business processes and having a full safety induction, this gives them the opportunity to meet their peer group and create their own Graduate network before they travel to their first placement, wherever it may be in the world.
