Bespoke Manufacturing Intern Review

My main areas of work were: - Managing the Bespoke Workshop, including procuring new machines, purchasing and logistics tracking. - Project management of all Bespoke cars, from small features to Coachbuilt cars. - Production data analysis. - Practical work in the workshop, including stripping down and building up cars, fitting trial parts and making production parts.

- Exposure to a wide variety of engineering disciplines, procedures and techniques. - Data processing skills, including VBA and Power BI. - Manual handling abilities, such as using tools and machinery including laser cutters and CNC machines. - Value of providing clear, concise information and work instructions. - Dealing with suppliers and purchasing items - How to use production systems and logistics tracking software. - Manufacturing development cycles.

I was given a high level of responsibility to the extent that I became an integral member of my team. I routinely produced production critical documents and assisted with the development of Bespoke features. I had an insight into all the different activities of my department and to most areas of the wider business.

My team was very supportive, and took the time to mentor me one-on-one and talk me through the complex processes and systems used. However, there was extremely little management of the internship programme from an HR perspective, so the internship experience was very dependent on which department you were located in.

Generally good, although at times I felt that politics from middle management filtered down to the level of my team. As my placement was affected by Covid-19, there was less opportunity to have less formal conversations with my colleagues as many were working from home.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement and would recommend the experience to anyone looking to understand the low-volume manufacturing sector. In particular, the soft skills I have developed throughout my placement will be immensely valuable when I return to university.

Yes

A can-do attitude is far more important than a good academic record, and the ability to be personable and talk to different people in different departments to get things done is a must.