Placement Student Review

I enjoyed the work a lot. I wasn't sat doing the same thing everyday, there was a lot of variation in my tasks. Some days I was sat at my desk coding, others I was faulting on a machine. So each day was different. The social aspect of it was impressive, I hadn't expect such an array of activities, like bowling, dinner out, cinema trips and the like.

My Team was really good to work with and be around. It was good to sit and have a bit of a laugh and chat. They supported me and were very receptive to questions where I had little or no familiarity of the subject. I didn't feel like I was being watched over or monitored for everything I did, I was left to get on with my tasks which means I was valued and trusted enough to get the work done.

I was given a lot of support and guidance. As I hadn't had a job before this one, I had no idea what to expect. My manager answered my questions about pretty much anything to do with the job, or indeed the financial side of my job (i.e tax on my pay). If he didn't know the answer, he would put me in contact with someone who could answer my question

Some days were really busy, and other days I had very little to do. Its a bit swings and roundabouts really, and I'd expect the same thing anywhere. on a daily basis, I had the right amount of tasks to do. If I had no work to do which was very rare, I only had to ask for something and I was found something to do.

I was given a fair amount of responsibility, I tested failed electronic components and sent them back to our suppliers. Being supplier and sometimes customer facing can be a challenge, but I feel that it will have improved my communication and people skills. I had regular meeting with one supplier to check their analysis progress.

The skills I have learnt during my placement with be invaluable to my future career, both in my degree and beyond. Systems engineering is more widely used than I first thought, and is in use in anything Caterpillar produce. The training I have completed here has given me a better insight into how a factory works and the processes involved.

The general atmosphere in the office was great, the offices are clean and bright. The team I sat with were always up for a laugh. Cakes were a definite surprise, I hadn't expected some many cakes so often! I think the office must be propping up the local Sainsbury's Bakery!

The placement was very well organised, although there has been some confusion about a possible contract extension. There has also been some confusion about my finish date, but that has all been sorted out. Caterpillar have been taken Placement students for many years now, so have had the opportunity to iron out any problems and wrinkles.

The company has invested in me a fair amount. I have had 2 full days of practical training, plus countless other trainng sessions with other engineers in the department, show us what they do, and tools useful to our roles. From a personal point of view, I'd have liked to have had a drive in a machine, but that is really an extra.

Future employment opportunity prospects are good. Placement students are fast tracked through the grad scheme application, as they have effectively had a year long interview. There is plenty of opportunity for movement within the corporation, across different departments. The grad scheme looks attractive, with 6 month rotations in different teams within the department.

The was a good social scene between colleagues and other placements. The office hub team organises events every month and the YPUK group onsite organises talks and events both during and after work. There are a good variation of social events for those who perhaps don't drink, or don't like nightclubs.

I have found Peterborough to be pretty cheap, but it really does depend where you live in Peterborough. Places like Hampton are expensive, but pretty much every one lives there, but myself and another placement student managed to find fully furnished rooms with bill inc. for £265pm. It really does dpened where you'd be happy to live.

I'm not really a nightlife kind of person, but there is a fair amount to do of an evening in Peterborough. There is a couple of bowling alleys, (one is really an experience) a cinema, plenty of night clubs (that I can't comment about) and plenty of pubs. I would think that Peterborough has a little bit of something for everyone.

Isn't this a similar question to the 3 above? YEs, there are plenty of opportunities to do activities outside of work. There are plenty of facilities for whatever you want to do. Peterborough has plenty of Gyms, pools, bowling alleys, pubs and clubs. The is also one large cinema and a plethora of restaurants.