R&D Engineering Placement Review

I thoroughly enjoyed working at CAT in Stafford. The work kept me busy, was mostly interesting and had a real contribution to the business. My peers were very friendly and I got on well with everyone. The pay was very reasonable and the local area was convenient, pleasant with many good amenities.

I felt my value in the department varied at times. Sometimes I felt like I was a bit of a "general dogsbody". But at other times I was in a position of responsibility being the key decision maker in an aspect of important choices. I believe I was valued as when being asked if something had been do, I had always already finished the work or carried out the task without having to be pressed.

The support and guidance given in the beginning was okay. It lessened off as I got more experienced in the role too, giving me the chance to be an independent member of the team; however I knew I could still go to my peers or superiors for a question or explanation.

I found that how busy I was depended on how much work I had - which depended on how close to completion a project was project. There was also something to do whether it was my main project with my supervisor or a small independent project, there was also something to carry out.

I believe I was given a fair bit of responsibility. I was trusted to carry out tasks of high importance, which had a lot riding on them. I also independently ran a high priority project for three weeks while my superior was away from work (with advice and guidance given before my manager left).

I cannot comment on this as yet as I have not quite finished my placement. However I believe this position has given me highly valued skills and a work ethic which will benefit me for my degree. Vast experience with computer programs, some which I had to learn how to use. It also gave me a chance to experience engineering in a real workplace and how complex the occupation and position is.

The atmosphere was very friendly across the whole department. It was quite casual but people got their work done well. The interdepartmental atmosphere was also fairly friendly, trying to work together as harmoniously as possible to get the wanted outcome. The department went on a few socials as a group and the company has a great CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) ethic.

The placement was well organised. As soon as I arrived, after a couple of weeks of training, 8 projects were outlined to me with the understanding that I likely would not get them all done, but enough that I would always have something productive and worth while to do. the priority of certain projects changed significantly over my placement year but I always had something to do.

While on placement I had the chance to go off site for my development. Twice I went off site to go back to University to give a presentation on what I was getting up to on placement and give advice to other students hoping to do a placement. I also got the chance to go to a day long educational conference showcasing a particular company, who CAT work with closely.

There was a very good social scene amongst this years graduates, placements and some ex-apprentices. We always ate together at lunch taking time out of our day and sometimes socialised on weekends. everyone was very friendly.

In Stafford it cost me £375pcm for a large room, shared bathroom, in a 5 person house share. there were many amenities right on my doorstep or a short 15 minute walk into town. Town had a great high street and two prime retail areas, many bars and restaurants and 2 nightclubs. where I lived was a very short 10 minute walk to work.

There were 2 nightclubs and many bars and restaurants to chose from.

Yes, there was a company dinner and dance, fishing trip, football tournament (inter-department and inter-company), as well as cricket, pool and dart clubs too.