Industrial Placement - Mechanical Engineering Review

There was always very interesting and varied work. As you move around different teams and select placements yourself, it was very easy to choose where I wanted to work and what I wanted to work on. Due to the large number of departments and roles, it was easy finding a placement I enjoyed.

I felt extremely valued by my colleagues; the teams are used to having placement students and graduates, so they know how best to get you into the work and make you feel like one of the team. I never felt like they did not appreciate the work or expected more from me than I could produce.

In the business there are plenty of supervisors, managers and other members of staff to go to if you had any issues, or wanted to get support. I never felt like I was alone with any issues, and everyone was happy to help. I got as much support as I needed with work, if I was unsure how to approach it.

I was very busy at times, but early on in each new team was generally slow to begin with, but through talking to members of the team there was always something to do or watch someone doing. If you didn't have much to do, there was always other things you could get involved with, and there was never too much pressure on me that I felt stressed about completing all my work before a deadline.

I was often involved in important jobs, and given the freedom to work on my own with it until I asked for helped. I was also invited to important or interesting meetings by members of the team. The level of responsibility seemed mostly down to how keen you are and if the other members of the team trust you with the work.

Very different style and range of work to degree studies, but invaluable for developing professional and personal skills. As a first engineering job, I couldn't have got a better introduction into the business and what an engineer does. Was also very good for experiencing a range of roles and developing any areas you feel you are weak in.

Often very relaxed and chat was encouraged. Seems to be very dependent on which team you are working in, but as you choose where you work you can always find a place where you feel comfortable. Everyone in the team was happy to help if you had a problem, or just chat with you.

The placement was very well structured, with the ability to move around teams and departments as you wanted. There were frameworks in place to help you get the most out of it, and plenty of support if you had a problem. All departments knew who I was, and had experience with placement students so could easily support me.

The company greatly invested in me, there were courses and learning opportunities paid for and setup by the company, which they give you time out of work to complete.

As there were a large number of placement student, graduates, apprentices and young people in the business, there were always groups of people to do things with. There were social team which organized nights out and group activities, and the company made sure we had the opportunity to meet and socialise with other young people.

Due to the large number of people in the business, there were always groups of people interested in the same things as you. Most sports have a company team, or someone you can contact about a local club. As it is close to the Lake District there are plenty of outdoors activities to get involved in.