Undergraduate Engineer Review

I enjoyed this placement in the Virtual Hub a lot, they got me really stuck into 'proper' work from day one. Everyone was so friendly and the placement was very much aimed at focusing on my enjoyment and learning.

Everyone I worked with was very friendly and more than happy to help. A lot even went out of their way to help me if I was stuck, or to give me extra tasks to do. This really added to the enjoyment of the placement.

My supervisor was very busy, but he still assigned me a biweekly hour to discuss my progress and make sure I had enough to do that I was interested in. He also gave me some more 'mentoring' people in my department who I could go to on any issues if he wasn't around.

It varied massively, but overall I would say it was a nice level. And a lot of it is up to myself to get done and plan my time. I really enjoyed this as it made me feel like I was making a lot of my own decisions and had room to move, not just being told what to do all of the time.

At first I was learning how everything ran, but once I had learnt all the software and coding, they allowed me to produce my own macros and other codes which were then uploaded onto the company-wide system which was a very proud moment!

Very very useful, a lot of the things I learnt can be put into use in my degree and any further jobs I have. I developed coding skills as well as good time keeping, presentation skills and learning industry specific software.

Everyone in the office was so nice, and welcoming. There was always sweet treats on the side from someones travels, and someone making tea who would be willing to chat. The positive atmosphere was very well noted and there were several work social nights/trips planned too.

There was a few hickups at the start, as with every placement of getting logged into the systems and downloading access to programmes. But overall I would say the structure was very good, it allowed for any movement between departments and tasters that you wanted.

Each employee, permanent/intern/contractor gets given £200 to put towards development. There is also numerous training courses and learning lectures available that you can attend. They highly encourage undergrads to get involved in their forums and this is allocated time off from your 'work work'.

Great! The grad scheme there (which I was offered a place on) is fantastic, it allows you the chance to move between departments and you have to do a placement in a non-engineering role and on the production line which allow you to fully understand the company; and to make sure you choose the right home department!

Very good, we had lots of meals out and ran a five-a-side football league weekly.

There is a choice between Leamington Spa and Coventry both of which have a lot of affordable housing and so many restaurants, cinemas, clubs to choose from.

Leamington Spa and Coventry both have good night lives, along with the potential to go to Birmingham if you fancied a bigger night. There are loads of bars and nice cocktail restaurants in Leamington too which is a bonus!

There was so many opportunities to get involved in many projects outside of work. They had their race car, lots of technical forums, sports teams, a newspaper/magazine.