Press Engineer Review

I mainly work on projects which I have a good level of responsibility on. Some of these include database design, coding, IoT installations and mechanical designs. I have developed responsibility for the items I have implemented throughout the year and have supported other engineers and team members in day to day roles. Throughout the pandemic I have attended work every day and maintained a good level of communication with the shop floor, visiting around 1-3 times a day.

I have developed my approach towards projects using Plan, Do, Check, Act and key Toyota philosophies such as Kaizen and Standardisation. Through working on projects I have improved my planning and communication skills massively. One skill I have developed in particular is VBA coding, which is an extremely transferrable skill as almost all businesses use Microsoft Excel. I have also developed my ability to produce 2D AutoCADs into 3D models and produced these for various designs which I have later seen implemented. I learnt to use multiple new software for specific sensors and components in my designs as well as die design software. Finally, I developed my understanding of PLCs and established PLC to OPC to Database connections for my IoT projects.

I feel I was given a good level of responsibility as I always had tasks to complete and have never had a quiet day, with different projects progressing and peaking at different points. My workload was well managed by my manager through communication in weekly 1 to 1s and I always felt comfortable asking for support where required. I have not felt overwhelmed or pressured during the placement year and have occasionally done overtime to meet deadlines but this was of my own accord.

I received lots of support initially through coming into work every day and being comfortable asking fellow team members of my manager for support. Any questions have been answered in a good level of detail and I almost regularly got the answers which I needed, if not I was pointed in the right direction as to how to find the answer or who to ask next. For lots of my projects I have required support from maintenance members, despite busy schedules they have found whatever time they can to help push forward what I am working on.

At Toyota, the core principles of the company such as Kaizen, Standardisation, Teamwork, Respect and Problem solving are regularly observed in day to day activity. Everyone at work is willing to help with solving problems and installing equipment/setting up systems. I have enjoyed coming into work and the general feeling is that most people here feel the same. Lots of staff members have been working at TMUK for over 25 years, or are nearing this milestone at the company.

I have enjoyed the variety of projects which I have been given and have gained satisfaction from overcoming problems which, at times, I believed would be difficult to overcome. I am able to take pride in the databases and designs which I have produced, knowing that I have had a positive impact on the team I am working in. The skills and competencies which I have learnt and developed are the most valuable take away from the placement and will be extremely useful in the future.

Yes

Make sure you understand the different processes which all have a hand in producing the final product (Press, Weld, Paint, Plastics, Assembly) and ensure you know which area you would want to work in. Read up about key Toyota principles and link these to previous examples in your life where you have exhibited these throughout the application and interview process. Make sure that you prepare well for psychometric and numerical tests and on the interview day just be yourself!