Fuel Route Improvement Team Support Review

I thoroughly enjoyed working within the company as I was given real responsibility from my very first day and felt included in my team. I really enjoyed all the extra learning, training and volunteering opportunities that are on offer, there is always so much more to do than just work. I felt like I was able to contribute to the company and that the company in turn contributed to my development and work experience. I feel valued and important which has been an essential key in helping me to have a successful industrial placement.

Although I am only a temporary working staff and my circumstances are a lot different to those in my team, function and company. I still felt as though I was a valued member, able to contribute and perform in my own capacity and that my efforts were recognised and even complimented. Regular one on one meetings and mentoring guidance also helped me to understand that I was an asset to the company and that they were willing to spend time to aid my development and experience.

I had the perfect amount of support and guidance, I felt like I could ask for help when it was needed but did not feel overburdened with supervision and assistance. My line manager sits close to me in the office which was really helpful in asking the informal questions that did not require a meeting setting. In the company we have a Young Professionals Network which does a fantastic job at offering mentoring and development sessions in which we are able to receive guidance from high profile figures within the company. I never felt alone which looking back on my year was so important to me.

It was a perfect balance, I never felt like I did not have anything to do but at the same time I never felt like I was unable to cope with the work required. Although I was sometimes required to work to deadlines, a lot of the work I was tasked to do was very flexible and if I was struggling or required extra time I was given some without warning or pressure. I never felt stressed or concerned but felt rightly stretched to allow me to challenge myself for personal and company benefit.

Surprisingly, quite a lot! When I began my placement I did not expect to have much involvement in tasks that could affect the business, but on day one I was set in a role that gave me a real sense of responsibility which I really enjoyed. I was managing particular projects, had access to sensitive information/ business resources and felt a great sense of trust from those I was working with.

I received many great training opportunities from asbestos awareness to nuclear fundamentals. The lessons learnt will help me in many different areas of my education, career and life in general. As an example, skills and training focused on health and safety in the work place has increased my awareness into the potential dangers around me and how to mitigate the risks of danger. Other skills I have developed in leadership, project management, communication will help me as I complete my degree and begin my career.

There is always something happening in the office. Almost every week we have a theme which will involve interactive workshops, lunchtime stalls, lectures etc. which will help us to understand more about that theme. The company's sponsored charity at the moment is Breast Cancer Now and everyone has got involved in money raising activities to help support this cause which has been both enjoyable and rewarding. Diversity and inclusion are two main focuses within the company which I feel are promoted and sustained well by everyone in the office.

The company works with the EDT to help support its placement and year in industry schemes. Together this collaboration covers all areas for really well organised set up whereby students have checkpoints, development opportunities and various points of contact to ask for help or assistance. They have everything covered and do a great job in making sure no one has a bad year.

As stated before, I feel like my development and experience was highly valued by the company. I was given many training opportunities at the expense of the company. I was also able to go on trips which required travel expenses that was covered by the company. They also offer a great sponsorship scheme which continues to invest in your development outside of the company.

Very appealing, I must admit I had no intention of returning to the company after my placement year. But the graduate scheme and further training and development courses they have to offer are very appealing and have changed my initial future career direction. I hope to be put on the graduate scheme when I graduate from University and look forward to being able to work for the company again.

Yes, there was a very good social scene both within working hours and outside. The company takes on a large group of students each year which end up becoming close friends. There is a young professionals network which allows students to connect with those in the graduate scheme and those who have been working in the company for less than 10 year. They often host social nights and activities. There is also a really good sports and social club which offers further opportunities with colleagues.

Fairly cheap, there is a range of places on offer that differ in price. You have Gloucester city and Cheltenham town which both offer very different levels of socialising and living. Compared to most cities, Gloucester is much cheaper but still has everything you would want to have from a city.

The nightlife is really good and there is a wide range of things to do. From bars and restaurants to music venues and nightclubs. There is always something on and the University of Gloucester offers a good source of young people to enjoy your time with. It is a diverse city and there is something for everyone.

There was always loads of stuff to get involved with. There were many volunteering opportunities with science festivals and careers fairs. The STEM ambassador program on offer enables you to work with local schools to help the school children understand more about STEM related topics/ jobs and in turn help to develop your own skills through mentoring or presenting. There were also lots of institution sponsored evening lectures which enable you to network and learn about the interesting things happening at the front line of science and engineering.