Industrial Facilities Placement Review

My placement was extremely enjoyable, the team were highly inclusive and motivating and allowed me to participate in any work area that I had a particular interest in. Learning so many new skills and having the opportunity for so much self development allowed for a very enjoyable experience. I was able to tailor my experience to my own areas of interest and I was always able to ask for help if I felt I needed it. Even when there were challenges I was able to work through them and once they were solved I felt I had achieved something so it turned into a positive.

My work was praised often and I was encourage when I wasn't feeling very confident. The significance of the work I was helping others with was of high value, and I felt complimented when I was asked for my input on such important affairs. I was given a suitable amount of responsibility that built up over time, although I was never expected to work on my own and I was always given the opportunity to discuss and work with my colleagues on things I was unsure of. Whilst I was the placement student, I was never made to feel that I was of any lower status than my colleagues.

Whilst on my placement I was very fortunate to have a supervisor and a manager. Both were always there if I required advice or assistance with anything. Weekly meetings were held separately with my supervisor and my manager. My supervisor was there to help with my work load and assist with my work tasks, while my manager was there to make sure I was receiving the right amount of support and if I had any non work related issues. I never felt unsupported or that I was unable to ask for support or guidance if it was required.

Throughout the course of my placement and as my responsibilities grew, my workload grew in conjunction with this. I always had my planned daily tasks to do, but I was regularly tasked with reactive work that I hadn't planned for. On occasions when the day was filled with reactive work, and I had little time to completed my other tasks, I did feel pressured but that was only inflicted by myself, none of my colleagues ever made me feel pressured to complete work. If I felt that I was ever too busy I would explain to my manager and they would offer to assist me with my work load, but most of the time I was reassured that I was not behind with anything and the reactive work cannot be helped.

My daily tasks played an important role in the smooth functioning of the department, without my work there would be a big gap. I was also asked to represent my department on certain projects around the company and in doing so I was given a lot of responsibility professionally but also make decisions on behalf of my team. At first this was a little daunting but after doing this sort of work for a while, I became comfortable with it. I was also asked to participate in Legal Compliance Audits and speak with auditors about the processes and other areas of work. This felt like a huge responsibility but it was a very positive experience and gave me a lot of confidence in myself and my other areas of my work.

I was given the opportunity throughout my placement year to put into practice some of the areas of study I completed at university. This will really benefit me on my return to university as I have gained knowledge of how certain aspects of my course work in the professional environment. I was given the freedom to explore certain subject specific areas that I felt would benefit me and my studies, and I have also developed general skills as well such as self confidence, professional communication, assertiveness and challenging thinking. All of these will help me at university and ensure I do the best I can throughout the final year of my course. I definitely feel like I have developed into a more professional person and I have learnt lots of skills that will help me after university when looking for a job.

The office I was working in was very friendly. And while all team members enjoyed chatting and laughing, everyone was very productive and this allowed for a very studious atmosphere at times. If ever there was an issue everyone would share their concerns and most issues were tackled as a team. Most people were very approachable which added to the comfortable feeling in the office. It felt like the perfect balance of fun and productivity.

From the company's side of things I felt it was all very well organised. My placement overlapped with the previous placement students time at Cummins and so there was plenty of time for learning what was expected and required from me. My desk and all my equipment was ready and waiting for me when I arrived and I had a schedule for meeting the team and receiving inductions.

I went on several training courses, including IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) which was 3 full days. I also did fire extinguisher training which was a full day course. I did a legionella awareness course that was also a full day course. I felt very invested in and I was allowed to participate in any course I felt applicable to my studies and position. I wasn't pushed to do lot's of training but it was available if I desperately wanted it.

Cummins is a very appealing company to work for. I have been very lucky with the benefits I have had access to, even as a placement student. The employees are treated very well and I see this a very important factor. When I am looking for future employment after my university course, I will make sure to apply to any appropriate jobs at Cummins.

At the beginning of the placement year the students all had lunch together and a few nights out were organised, however as the year went on and the students became more involved with their own departments the social scene for placement students became a little quieter, although it was still apparent.

Depending on where you choose to live and where you go to socialise you can tailor your experience to your financial capacity. There is a nice range of value-for-money and high class places to be that you can change between depending on what you fancy and how long after pay day it is.

Huddersfield has a great nightlife but it is also very closely situated near to Leeds and Manchester which are both just a short train ride away. Both cities provide a great night out but Huddersfield also has some wonderful restaurants and bars. There is a wide variation of nightlife atmospheres within Huddersfield with the range surrounding villages as well as a busy town centre.

The company organised a few trips and the occasional night out that you could participate in for a small fee however there weren't things being organised every weekend by the company. Most placement students lived together during their time at Cummins and so that provided a social scene and activities were organised between those who lived together.