Industrial Placment Review

My internship at EDF Energy as part of the Operation services department was very enjoyable and a great start to a long career in the nuclear energy sector. The work was vary varied. It combined office based analysis with on plant work. In addition, I completed a five week secondment as part of the operations team.

The minute I began i felt very welcome. I was shown to my desk and given a personal plant tour which gave me an immediate understanding of the system. EDF are a very inclusive company to work for. I have always felt part of the team and my work colleagues allowed me to voice my opinion on plant issues even with my lack of expertise.

Management were always very encouraging and I have a great rapport with them. My line manager introduced me to the many working teams on part and got me involved in important projects around site. In addition, I was given my own investigation to complete which was presented in front of the plant executive team.

The days varied. If both reactors were in nominal operation, the days were quieter and I had only my daily duties and checks to complete. However, if some immediate work was present , you would be flat out for the day. You were not expected to stay later than your contracted hours. It was interesting as each day was a mystery.

I was very impressed with the responsibility i was given considering I was working at a nuclear facility. As previously mentioned, I performed an independent investigation. In addition, I was an active member of the facilities water optimization team which worked towards EDF sustainability goal. Also, I managed the plants equipment laydown and storage area register.

I have greatly improved my microsoft office skills and this will benefit in completing business reports and making graphs and plots. I presented my work in front of the execuative team and am now a more confident public speaker. In addition, EDF encourages a questioning attitude and will also question a work procedure keeping safety at the forefront.

The work atmosphere was very relaxed. I was always encouraged to ask questions if I was having trouble and given the support I needed. If we had some downtime, we would have fun in the office and we organised social events outside of work. The dress code was casual and comfortable.

Once I began , my line manager had explained to me the layout of the placement. My line manager organisation was very impressive and I was completing training the minute i began working on site. The previous placement student had created a word document detailing the role which helped greatly.

I was constantly training and learning throughout the placement. I have now completed fire extinguisher training, confined space and working at height Adverse condition investigation and dressing and undressing in nuclear facilities to name but a few. All of which will be beneficial for future employment.

The placement students are encouraged to apply for the graduate scheme following completion of the placement. This is evident by human resource reminding you of graduate program submission dates. The placement has given me a taste of all aspects of the company and I now have a more in depth knowledge of the different roles offered in the company.

I had received many emails from the placement scheme organizer about social events amongst the current placements. However, I do not have a car and found transport to these events quite difficult. But I was impressed with the promotion to encourage socialising among the placements.

I was living in the south west of the UK. The salary provided by the placment scheme was more than enough to live comfortably in this area of the UK. The nights out were cheap. The locals are also very welcoming and respect people who are employed by EDF.

Again, I am not much of a going out at night person. However, the area had many bars, nightclubs, outdoor football pitches , cinemas, libraries, gyms, restaurants . Everything you could possibly want from a town.

Yes most definitely. I got to visit many beautiful areas in the south west of the UK . Underwent, hiking and got involved in a half marathon. I have joined a running club and also parttake in jiu jitsu every wednesday. Bristol is an hour away by train.