UAP Student Review

Aspects of this role were enjoyable, such as having the opportunity to be exposed to a wide variety of challenges. During my placement I have had the opportunity to work alongside a range of other departments, which has challenged me to think outside of the box and broaden my knowledge.

I have not felt overly valued by my colleagues throughout the year, as I have not had a great deal of responsibility. Not having a great deal of responsibility meant that some of the work I was doing could be left un noticed as it was not Immediately important. However, this was not always the case, as I was often asked to assist supervisors/GAP leaders, which left me feeling valued at times.

Support was always available from a colleague or other member of staff if required. I could also rely on my manager for support if needed, however I often found myself only doing this as a last resort. As he often seemed to be busy I would try not to rely too heavily on his support.

My placement role seemed to differ from other students within the company, as I was not given any specific daily tasks. Other placement roles within the company had daily tasks such as data inputting, or daily checks around the plant. The only times I had daily tasks was when I was covering one of these other roles.

I do not feel I was given a lot of responsibility throughout the year, especially when compared to other students within the company. I did work on a number of projects throughout the year, which carried some level of responsibility at times. However, I did feel a level of responsibility when covering other roles.

Without a doubt, the skills I have gained during my placement will help me in my future studies and working life. Having this experience as taught me valuable life lessons, as well as helped me develop a range of personal/professional skills. For example, working in this environment has allowed me to develop my communication, technical and organizational skills.

The general atmosphere within the office was a well balanced combination of relaxed/jokey, and serious. When there was serious work to be done, it was clear by the atmosphere within the office. However, there were times when everyone would relax slightly, and engage in more casual conversation. This was the right balance in order to be productive but not feel overwhelmed.

Throughout the year I have not felt a great deal of structure was in place for my placement. However this is mainly due to the fact that this is the first time the role has been available. This has been clear when looking at other placement roles compared to mine, as they have daily tasks and responsibilities.

I believe the company has a strong focus on development and growth. This is clear when looking at the opportunities available for future progression within the company. Although I did not complete any with my manager, I was provided with regular opportunities to review my development and set objectives for the future.

There are a couple of paths available for students to progress within the company once they have graduated. These include international schemes which allow you to work abroad in a variety of countries around the world, and graduate schemes allowing you to work as a graduate within a Faurecia plant.

Over the year other students within the plant have arranged out of work social activities. This mostly included meeting for drinks or food after work. There was also a couple of work night out arranged by some colleagues over the Christmas period, as well as leaving drinks for members of staff who were leaving the company.

For the first half of my placement I was living close to work, and found the cost of living fairly expensive. However, for the second half of my placement I returned to living at home, which allowed me to save a lot more money and reduced the costs of socialising/living.

Other than social events and charity fundraising activities, such as a 5 a side football tournament, there weren't really any activities outside of work to get involved in. Looking back there may have been opportunities to arrange out of work activities, but the plant running on three shifts would make this slightly more difficult.