Placement Process Engineer Review

Job was challenging every day and offered a real insight to the working life at nissan as an engineer. I had many oppurtunities to get involved and try out thngs as though I was a fully fledged engineer. The days at times were hard but, this is reflective of the true scenario of working in the industry. It was ashame about COVID as I was getting into some very interesting projects right as it affected us!!

Colleagues were excellent, they treated you like real engineers but appreciated sometime the technical jargon may be too much for someone new to the role. Massive thankyou to the axle and suspension team for looking after me so well. They actively sought me out to make sure I was doing okay and involved me in work place banter with everyone. The group was incredibly friendly and I was glad I got to be a part of it for the year.

I had 2 managers during my time at Nissan. My first could be a little distant at times but, my second was great. He actively sought me out to ensure what I was doing was correct and looked for projects that were ideal for me to partake in. My second manager also ensured I was doing things that could benefit me in the long term giving me ideas for dissertations as well as skills for life

The workload fluctuated but, overall the balance was good. Some days I could find myself chasing people in person or email for information ad others I wouldn't be sat down all day. Very exciting but, unpredcitable. Nissan offered many things to keep your time filled such as courses and CSR roles that could keep you busy if that's the sort of thing you enjoy. Overall it was busy but, balanced depending on the time of the year.

Initially very little; but, as time went on I was given more and more. My time at Nissan ended with me spearheading a project in machining with other engineers.

Overall, as a chemical engineer Nissan didn't offer me a massive amount that directly relates to my degree however, I think the perspective of real industry was very important for my development. It also gave me the chance to learn things I wouldn't had I just studied like serious mechanical engineering practice. I learnt lots that will make me a more rounded engineer and I'm massively grateful to everyone at Nissan for looking after me.

The office fluctuated depending on the time of the year and the deadlines people were working to. In general I found it to be a very relaxed place but, could also be loud and hectic at times. In powertrain the office tended to be louder than in other parts of the main buildings but, this was likely also due to the larger number of people who worked there in comparison to some of the other offices.

The placement was well organised for the most part. There was plenty of oppurtunities for people to get to know each other and settle in. The first week was well structured but, I felt that a handful of emails throughout the year would've been good so that people could vent how they were feeling more often. It was a shame about covid as there was more things I was looking forward to in the coming months with the placement team.

I was free to apply to courses that I felt would help my development, both of my managers actively encouraged this to make the most of my time at the company and to expand my knowledge base. There were many courses to choose from and I felt that Nissan as a whole offered lots of things to help everyone develop. I would like to Sunderland offer more courses directly in the plant as there were some courses I was unable to access for this reason.

The company offers a range of roles to work within and for this reason it does appeal to me. In my professional career I hope to be more involved in chemical engineering and although my placement didn't offer me a whole lot of this I am confident that if I did apply to Nissan I would be able to find a job that offers me exactly this. Whether that be in the paint plant or elsewhwere.

As someone who's relatively local to the Newcastle and Sunderland area ( I live in Redcar) I decided to carshare and travel to and from my home as opposed to renting somewhere closer to Nissan. For this reason I didn't manage to experience much social life during my time on the placement however, there was a group chat amongst placements where people would actively go out and enjoy themselves so even though I didn't experience this there definitely is one.

Due to my decision I didn't go out too often but I know from experience in the past as well as, my time at Nissan that Newcastle is a relatively cheap place to live and socialise. My petrol to and from work whilst car sharing cost me no more than 300 a month but, for those looking to live in the area it cost no more than 500 a month to live close by which from my experience would likely be the better choice.

Newcastle's night life is one of the best in the country without a doubt. The cost is a massive perk but, there is also so much variety in terms of places to drink and activities to do during your time. During our placement we had the oppurtunity to go bowling for the day and have a drink with all the placements and without a doubt it was the best day of the placement bar none.

For the first part of the year it was clearly outlined in 2020 we'd be partaking in many activites outside of work and I was massively looking forward to this. I had the chance to do placement days out as already explained but I also took part in 5 a side tournaments and payed football with other members of staff occasionally. Had it not have been for COVID I'm sure there would've been much more.