Student Engineer Review

I worked within the design and construction sector, supporting the design managers on client changes plus supported the mechanical services construction managers. Day to day involved site visits, meetings with supply chain, reviewing engineering drawings and production and management of technical documentation.

This placement has enabled me to gain an understanding of a range of management roles in both the design and the construction industry on a significant project. From this I have been able to appreciate the engineering to construction to commissioning document process and the different divisions that need to be aware and accept these processes. My communication skills have greatly increased from chairing meetings to querying designs/installations to design house, engaging on site tours with sub-contractors understanding the requirements needed before they can commence their sections of installations. During this placement I have successfully completed 33 topics resulting in over 35 hours of personal development. I have also gained an appreciation on different areas outside of my primary role: mainly assurance, quality and commissioning. This is because assurance required evidence from tests completed by construction and the evidence would be found and collated within commissioning and quality. This resulted in having open discussions to understand on their area of work and understanding what they were collating and if this was currently being configured. The benefits of being within the construction team is that I have been able to apply my theoretical knowledge from both university and previous design placements and apply these into practical applications. This has enabled me to physically see either the progress or the clashes and understand the solutions presented (and how the document process aligns).

Yes I was given with increased responsibility during this placement to enhance my technical and management competency.

I was given a lot of support and guidance during this placement. I was assigned a mentor who I had regular contact with and was able to assist and support any of my queries (task and working life). Additionally I was supported by engineers and management across all disciplines who would take time to help me understand both technical queries and career/chartership questions.

It was very positive and inclusive especially given the pandemic restrictions.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this placement as it an enabled me to blend my academic skills into practical experiences. Additionally, the opportunity to experience working life especially in a pandemic was insightful.

Yes

Review what sectors you would like to work in, Costain works in a variety of sectors including rail, water and energy.