Maintenance Engineering Student Review

I enjoyed my placement as it gave me a grate insight into the industrial sectors I aim to move into once I have completed my degree.

I held a lot more responsibility whilst on my placement then I expected. However this just amplified how valued I felt that my time and work was.

My supervisor was always willing to help me with my work however at times I did feel like I was left with little support whilst completing projects.

I was always busy on my day to day routine. Due to me having to complete a specific set of tasks each day for an alloted time. However this did not stop me from being further projects to work on and develop during the time I have between these tasks.

I held a lot more responsibility whilst on my placement then I expected. However this was good for me as It caused me to develop more.

There is a lot of room to learn the skills that can help you in your degree at university as the company has a very wide variety of task and opportunities to learn. However the company could provide more access to learning specific skills for the degree. For example more training in technical skills like pneumatics, hydraulics, electrical, plc programming or computer aided design.

The atmosphere in the production office was great as the people are welcoming, friendly and funny. However as is it a fast paced company the atmosphere is also very professional and work orientated. So you can easily gain a good understanding of how the automotive industry has a good balance of a focused work with a relaxed attitude.

The set up of my placement was well organised as I was informed straight away of where, with who and what I would be doing so I could pass this information on m university easily making the process effortless. I was also made aware from the outset that there was no direct department supervisor as they were in the recruitment process for a new one but I would be supervised by someone within my department and overseen by a temporary manager.

I received a good amount of personal training whilst on placement as I gain technical skills that I would not of learnt if I had not completed a placement such as fabrication skills. I also received training on global systems such as different SAP systems being SRM (Supplier Relationship Management) and VIM (Vendor Invoice Management) and other computer based skills improved significantly like Microsoft Office. But I mainly improved my Personal Development Skills such as Time Management, Communication, Organisational Skills the most, and this was due to the company investing time into my development by providing me with a variety of projects to allow me to advance.

The employment prospects with the company are great as there is the chance to apply for a new graduate scheme that will be starting from 2016 for those who have completed a placement with the company. However there is also the chance to seek development abroad due to a scheme the company is still running called VIE (Volunteer International Experience) which is similar to a graduate scheme within the UK but it allows you to apply to work anywhere the company has a position for you and operates out of. So there is a prospect of working in countries such as the United States, China, Russia, Germany etc.

There is a great opportunity for socials with fellow placement students and graduates as there are around 30 students based at the different sites within the UK so there is a good amount of people to meet and do things with. However as I was based at the Washington Plant in the North East of England and all the other students based at this site came from Northumbria University meant that we were all close to our own groups of friends outside of the company so it was hard to organise as we were always busy with them. But we do have a night out planned together at the end of our placement.

With my placement being based in the North East it was easily affordable with the salary provided. As local housing/student housing within the area is easily accessible and affordable. Also if you don't waste money each day buy food from the vending machines at work or from the local shops you can easily keep your living cost like shopping cheap and make meals for work.

The plant was based in Washington which is about halfway between Newcastle and Sunderland, so the nightlife is excellent in both of these cities with lots of different clubs and cheap drinks.

Whilst on placement there where a few opportunities to get involved with other at the plant outside of work at things like a night out around Christmas or going away on a Golf trip with a few people from work but all of these event are organised outside of work so it depends on how well you get to know the other people in your plant.