BHL Current Product Investigation Engineer Review

Fantastic range of projects available and experienced colleagues to work with. The company's ideals match my own which was the motivation to apply, and these are reflected through the projects undertaken during my placement. I also engaged in STEM activities and accreditation course which have helped me progress personally and professionally.

My colleagues recognised me as a professional and as an Engineer. My proposed ideas were actively and attentively listened to, with help and guidance on how to progress offered. I was never patronised but further knowledge and explanations were offered to me if needed. Everyone was friendly and approachable; often approaching me to carry out projects once I had shown my ability and created a rapport.

My supervisor was always on hand to offer support and guidance. This included fortnightly meetings to ensure my enjoyment and progression. All management staff seemed happy to help when not busy, often making time to ensure my understanding of a topic. This level of support is often hard to find in such a busy and time sensitive environment.

My work levels varied from week to week but I was always able to occupy myself, or ask for new projects if necessary. The workload and type of projects available were enough to challenge me intellectually without overload. There was also opportunity to escape the office and have recreation time on the machines. This serves a dual purpose of stress reduction, and also increasing my understanding of how the machines I was helping design interacted with the operator and environment.

Responsibility varied dependant on my role within the project, however on many projects I had sole responsibility to ensure accurate and desirable results. I was treated as an adult and as a professional engineer and so responsibility was given as required within a team; meaning I always maintained some responsibility towards the end product of a project.

I believe the theory learnt, and experience gained during this year will be invaluable throughout my entire engineering career. Employers will look favourably on this, and I have a job at Caterpillar to come back to if I choose to as a graduate. My experience of different disciplines during this year has helped ground my knowledge gained from University, to allow me to create more realistic and accurate theories and ideas.

The atmosphere was professional but relaxed. With an open, friendly view on work and employee interaction. Many colleagues would be happy to chat and assist me with my work, normally interested in the project and the ideas I had generated myself. However if you didn't feel like interacting on a particular day, you had your own space to focus.

The placement scheme has improved significantly compared to my predecessors experience, mainly due to the work of my Supervisor and certain members of HR. However it could do more to show a range of business areas to give a better understanding of the direction I wish my career to take when I graduate. Half the work is finding what I don't want to do as well as what I do.

Many personal development courses were available to myself and all employees. The focus of the company is to collect and improve the most skilled engineers. This made me feel appreciated and valued as a precious commodity. My time, knowledge, and experience seemed tangible and valuable to the company, enough for them to want to continue to employ me in the future.

If a placement student shows themselves capable and willing then the company is happy to offer a conditional job offer for when they graduate. The graduate scheme available is an attractive and worthwhile prospect at Caterpillar. However due to the industry being cyclic, any applicants must be aware of the risks involved and understand there will always be lows as well as highs.

I lived with two other placement students, and often met with graduates to socialise. There was a very relaxed attitude between placements and graduates as we viewed each other as on an even keel professionally. This meant we could socialise normally without the need to keep within a work environment level of professionalism.

I worked in Desford, and lived in Leicester. My cost of living was average to low regarding rent and utilities but this is subject to how and where you want to live. Any expenses came from personal expenditure including socialising and luxury items. Money can easily be spent or saved depending on your aim.

There are many things to do in Leicester during the day or night time. There are many restaurants, bars and clubs, it's simply a matter of finding something you enjoy doing. My main concern is the relatively early closing time of some bars but again, it's personal preference as to your social enjoyment.

Some of the graduates organised social events, and there were many company organised night outs. In general, many people would be interested in socialising outside of work, it was simply a matter of organisation. There were also work related activities like design shows which would be undertaken during company time.