Innovation & Systems, Quality Assurance Industrial Trainee Review

Systems engineer in Quality Assurance division, responsible for many digital systems. Activities on a day-to-day basis include: - Maintenance of digital system on production line. - Deployment and maintenance of AI vision systems, including training activity. - Digitalisation of processes on production line and within division, to reduce paper use and improve data traceability. E.g. application deployment using MS Power Platform. - Automation of manual processes to improve user experience with digital systems. - Installation of digital technology and hardware.

Key learning includes: - Toyota Knowledge: Learned about the Toyota Way and how to utilise Toyota principles in day-to-day work (e.g. Genchi Genbutsu, 4S, PDCA). - Mass Production: Learned about the role of an engineer in mass production and how to successfully deploy digital systems in a high-pressure environment. - Safety Awareness: Importance of following safe working procedures. - Continuous Improvement (Kaizen): Importance of continuous learning and improvement in mass production engineering. Skills Developed: - Working in a team: Working with a diverse range of people in a variety of projects and environments. - Communication: Learned how to communication with different stakeholders, how to present information clearly and concisely in A3 reports. - Presenting: Opportunity to present to a variety of people, including General Managers and Directors. - Problem-Solving and Analysis: Solving equipment issues and concerns on production line to effectively countermeasure.

Given good level of responsibility in all projects, including being the lead engineer in some. All tasks undertaken were meaningful and added value to the business. This ranged from smaller tasks (e.g. Excel / Power BI data analysis) to more significant tasks (e.g. full digital system deployment). Good exposure to the business in this role, through being lead engineer for digital systems used on production line and responding to concerns / Kaizen requests. Supervisor gave appropriate guidance and support when required, but promoted self-sufficiency.

Support from the team and peers was excellent! All people more than happy to support and offer guidance. This included those in my section as well as in the wider division. Line manager and supervisor always on-hand to offer support if necessary and give valuable advice. Support was always accessible, both in the office and on the production line when necessary. Colleagues offered great guidance with problems and how to overcome them. Attitude towards support was good, colleagues would always support wherever they could.

The company has a great culture and philosophy. At the foundation of the Toyota philosophy is 'Respect for people'. This is practiced by all members at Toyota, no matter what your position, everyone respects one another.

The placement successfully met my expectations and beyond! The work was challenging at times, but it helped me to develop personally and professionally. My team were excellent and very supportive throughout my placement.

Yes

The assessment centre is a good opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the role, as well as your technical ability. Ensure that you have practiced online tests (e.g. maths) and group problem-solving exercises. For the interview process, do your research! The interviewers are always looking for the Toyota buzzwords (e.g. Kaizen, Jidoka, etc). Furthermore, always link your own experiences to transferrable skills in your role at Toyota. I have always admired Toyota as an automotive company, due to their high-quality products. This is what inspired me to join.