Placment Student in Research and Development IPSD Review

I am enjoying my time at caterpillar, the work is challenging but enjoyable. everybody is very friendly and always willing to help when you have a problem. The work environment is very relaxed whilst getting the work done to a high standard, no day at work is boring as they are all very different the work given has a wide variety

The colleagues I deal with on a regular basis treat me as a permanent member of staff and not just a placement student. All of my colleagues are very friendly, here to help when needed as well as making it easier to learn as well as taking part in major projects

Support and guidance given when asked, where given, support and guidance was very useful. More support given by co-workers than management, however I did not feel like I was lacking support and guidance at any point. Fortnightly meetings with my supervisor helped me have that scheduled time with the management level to request support where required.

Daily work load changed in accordance to work required to be done. Job role was very customer issue related or factory support related. At no point did I feel like I didn't have something to do as team were very open in sharing work load on other jobs. This allowed me to maintain my work load as well as getting involved in more projects.

From the onset I was treated as a permanent employee with equal responsibility as other employees. Some limitations included limited contact with customers and suppliers, however at times there are opportunities to contact either suppliers or customers. Where this contact was allowed, staff was available for assistance on things which can and cannot be discussed.

In 12 months of the placement my existing skills were accelerated with support of team members who have been working with those skills for many years. The variation of jobs in my role allowed me to also establish more skills especially communication with different areas of the business. Projects involved cost reduction, maintenance and quality.

The office had a general atmosphere of high moral and maintaining the high quality outcomes required with working for such a prestigious company as caterpillar. Everybody ensured they had a laugh whilst at work but still ensuring the work was done in a timely manor to a high standard. All of the colleagues were happy to help where possible and if not then they would direct you to somebody who could.

The placement was extremely well organised and everything was set up before I started my placement with caterpillar. I had been given the chance to talk with my supervisor at the assessment centre, as well as the other placement students before I started work. This meant we were not complete strangers on the first day. This made starting the new job role lot easier.

During my time with caterpillar training sessions were held quarterly, whether this be required, via online learning, which all staff need to complete, through to instructor led training on topics like CPS training. There are also opportunities to take part in other training courses as an when required. Training in specialist tools and team tools was available on request if needed either by someone in the team with the skills and ability to share if required.

Future job roles are finance dependant however future employment can be offered subject to university results and employment options at time of graduation

Regular placement events between other placement students whether organised which ranged from meals out after work to nights out in the local town, there were also regular nights out with the other employees for meals and trips to the pub. The vast majority of employees got involved with the social scene and it helped everyone to get to know each other better outside of the work environment. Good transport links meant events were not limited to the local town

Not the cheapest or most expensive place to live. Rent costs were by far the most expensive expenditure. Have managed to save some money towards final years of university.

Good places for a night out as well as nice places for a quiet drink after work on Fridays

Many events organised by staff, graduates and placements for us to get involved with. There is never a long period between events.