Quality Engineer Placement Student Review

My role is to analyse and improve the quality of the production line and the products provided by Knorr-Bremse. Any problems that occur, engineering related, are to be investigated by the quality team. Daily tasks involve data collection and analysis, metrology, problem solving, engineering knowledge and research, and communicating with suppliers, operators, team members and managers. I also have individual projects that will improve the production line productivity and a team project that has the potential to help business meet targets and improve its customer sales.

New Skills: Business mindedness, professionalism, critical thinking, reading engineering drawings, following processes, running and organising meetings, engineering, manufacturing and industry knowledge, using metrology tools and machines such as CMMs, Vernier's, Visions Systems and Laser Mic's, health and safety, and calibration of tools. Developed Skills: Creating, analysing and presenting data and presentations, problem solving, communication, contributing within a team, meeting deadlines and managing times, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word, and working as a team.

Yes, you are given a lot of responsibility with daily tasks and projects but support is always close by with any problems that you may face. The task you are set are down to you to complete and the projects are your own but the team are all very approachable and always willing to lend a hand, share experienced knowledge and support you. You feel very responsible for the work you're conducting and there is a sense of accomplishment when tasks are completed

I received a lot of support and guidance from my team, manager, supervisor and other departments during my placement. There were many times I would have to communicate with other departments and the operators within cells to understand problems or tasks and everyone was very approachable and willing to help with anything I wouldn't understand. My line manager and supervisor were both always willing to support me with any of my work but at the same time liked to guide me so that I could do the majority of the task myself which I thought was a great way to learn.

The company atmosphere is very friendly and positive. There are lots of social events especially around Christmas where Knorr-Bremse holds a large party all paid for by business. However, as my placement has been during the Covid pandemic some events have had to be postponed. There are also sports and social clubs that run within the week and some diversity sports days where other sites compete against each other. Charity fundraising is also encouraged at Knorr-Bremse with bake sales and other events being held.

I very much enjoyed my placement year and found that it is something I would definitely like to do after university. I was slightly worried going into my placement that I wouldn't enjoy working 5 days a week but working here I've realised that this working environment is enjoyable and very social which I like. My team have all been great to work with and I've become quite friendly with them. Working for Knorr-Bremse has shown me that I want to work for a manufacturing company once I finish university and within a job role similar to what I am doing now.

Yes

The interviews are very friendly but they do ask some serious questions so that they can employ the right student for the role. Be confident and friendly as I felt the the interview process was more of a discussion than an interview so that they could find if your personality and mentality suits the job. Ask questions about Knorr-Bremse and the role you're applying for as this will make you show interest in the company and the interviewers like you to understand what your applying for.