Test Engineer Review

I held the position of Test Engineer which was brilliant because it exposed me to working with different people from various departments, in a range of working environments both onsite and offsite.

I was treat like a normal employee and was given real life tasks that stakeholders relied on me for, it was fantastic.

The support was undoubtedly excellent. I had 1:1 monthly sessions with my line manager where we would discuss my progress and any challenges I faced. There was also a Student Development Programme which included lots of training modules such as managing conflict and challenging people, presentation skills and confidence building. These modules were incredibly helpful because they developed many of my transferable skills such as problem solving and communication skills.

My role was quite demanding however never boring! My day consisted of morning meetings in the test cell to observe the activity of my engine overnight, followed by data analysis using specialist software, followed by data reviews with stakeholders. I was also involved with the teardowns of engines following tests and followed investigations to troubleshoot any issues with any components.

I was given a lot of responsibility which I am very grateful for. My role crossed with a graduate role which I believe has helped prepare me for when I start a graduate position.

Transferrable skills such as effective and effiecent teamwork, leadership skills, presentation skills, communication skills and problem solving skills developed during placement are transferable to my individual and group work at university, but also beneficial for my future career. I was exposed to working with software which has made me more confident using unfamiliar systems in the future.

My time was split at my desk in the office, as well as in the control room where the test cells were, where we tested the engines. I loved this exposure, because it enabled me to work with lots of different people and see lots of different aspects of the company. The office atmosphere was friendly and relaxed, whilst being very professional.

Very well. I believe the student development modules were spread well across the year as we were exposed to different situations, however it may have been more beneficial to have them all in the first few of onboarding, so we know have to tackle situations in the workplace. We ended placement with a graduation ceremony which was a fantastic end to a well organised year.

The training modules were great for personal development which in the long run benefit the company; wise investment.

Very appealing, I am certainly considering graduate opportunities here.

Yes there was a brilliant social scene amongst fellow placement students. There was around 20 of us, 10 of us being Engineering students. We hosted monthly student meetings and would try to organise a social each month, which ranged from bowling, meals out, to nights out. We also went to York races which was a great night!

Relatively cheap, well cheaper than London will ever be! I actually lived at home so I didn't have any rent expense. Darlington is affordable to rent however and the cost of living is also affordable.

Darlington had a few bars and clubs and the train station is central, with Newcastle, York and Durham only a train ride away!

Yes, with the student group, but also socials with my team who organised monthly socials. Every employee is also expected to carry out 4 outs volunteering work either with their team or with other employees at Cummins.