Tunnel Ventilation/Mechanical Engineer Trainee Review

I really enjoyed my work placement and culture promoted in the office. I actually experience working as a mechanical engineer in the built environment and produced deliverable that challenged me and actually contributed to a team project. My first ever task was to make a 3D model of a train line, that very same model was used in presentation for an international client.

I felt my colleagues valued me as an employee. I was included and able to join many meetings or projects. I was invited and included in events or progress review like everyone else. In addition, they treated me as one of their own- respecting and treating me as a responsible adult. This was very eye opening for me because it helped my self-esteem and transitioning into adulthood.

I received a mentor who I spoke on a variety of things- tasks mechanical engineer works on, discrimination at work, career aims and worries. My mentor was very supportive, even though they were assigned to an office aboard, we still maintained a good relationship. My supervisors always asked my questions on tasks I was working on, how I am finding it, reviewed and feedback on the deliverable I produced. Plus they would ask questions on my career aims, and they will always provide me useful advice. Surrounded by colleagues who were always willing to help, and if they could help me they would direct me to someone who could. At the end of my placement I had feedback interviews with my seniors and they gave me excellent feedback, highlighting on my strengths and weakness, and advising my on how to tackle my weaknesses. I

I was busy daily, if I felt my wordload was light I always spoke to colleagues who could delegate me some relevant and contributing tasks. I always had work to do.

I was given moderate amount of responsibility as a trainee. However I could have received more responsibilities from colleagues. In the feedback interview at the end of my placement, my seniors notice I would get 'defensive', overwhelmed or shy away whenever they would be sort of 'pushy'. They advised me to feel more confident in myself and the work I produce. I learnt that for me to have an exciting engineering career and receive responsibilities I need to be up to pace with the work and not let emotions or insecurities get to me.

I developed my 3D modelling skills and able to produce useful schematics on CAD. I feel confident to use CAD software now. I developed my CFD analysis skills and understand difference and importants of 1D,2D and 3D analyses. I learnt how to conduct cooling load, pressure drop, duct sizing calculations. I learnt about the different discplines and services in the built environment and how they interlink with each other (mechanical, publich health, electrical, building physics), parties involved in the designing and constructing a building (consultant, contractor, installer, client, stakeholders and sometimes manufacturer). I learnt to produce and review design reports and technical submittals from contractors. Expanded my technical knowledge and learnt different standards and guides (ASHRAE, CIBSE and BSRIA) to read to understand an built environment engineering problem. These skills and knowlege developed will definitely help me to operative as an effective mechanical engineer in the built environment.

Open, friendlily and flat structure. Everyone from all levels (senior, technicians, trainee) all sat with each other. You could walk around and reach other colleagues if you needed to speak to them. Also if you wanted to move away for like an hour or day you were able to do so and people will be able to get in contact with you.

The placement was organised in getting candidate settled in and making them apart of the team. When it comes to getting work midway the placement year it's really up to you to secure work and develop yourself. The company and its structure really encourages everyone (from all levels) to be proactive in their career.

A lot, supervisor giving feedback on deliverable you produce, giving employees to develop themselves through lunchtime talks and CPDs, online courseworks provided by in-house teams.

I would love to work in Arup again in the future. It promotes humane culture in the environment and employees.

Yeah. I struggle to go due to them being relatively late or conflicted with deadlines.

I can't really say, I lived at home with my parents. I didn't lived in the area I worked in. But the area I worked in for my placement is a relatively expensive.

I can't really say.

A lot, I would wanted to get involved but I didn't take them up due to I was still getting used to the world of work.