Change and Lean Intern Review

It was a different but valueable placement year which taught me alot about working in an engineering environment. From the start it was a challenge and enjoyed the responsibilty given to me to stretch myself and enjoy both working on my own and in a small team. I really enjoyed the year and would recommend everyone to do a placmenet.

My colleagues valued me as one of their own, many pub lunches, christmas party, meals and nights out where great in them getting to know me and me getting to know them. Even small chats in the corridors made me feel valued and there was always someone to help you out.

I always had support from every manager in the team, whether it was doing small tasks, or tasks which envolved me having a lot of responsibilty. My direct manager always preped me before doing a task and told me what was expected of me. He was also excellent in support with my placement documents.

From the start I always had things to get on with. The job I do is very ad hoc and therefore jobs come in when they need to be done. At times I can be very busy, especially the start of the week, but at times, work can be slow, but there are always certain tasks to be done, however mundane the task is.

I was given alot of resposibilty, times heading up my own business improvement projects, acting as a change agent for a Business Improvement theme and creation of many esites. This helped me gain many vital skills such as attention to detaill and being able to read a person and getting them to do what I need in order to progress.

I acquired alot of skills during my time as a placement student. From the start my manager picked up on skills like flexability and hard work that I was strong in, but also picked up on skills that I need to improve on such as attention to detail and autonomy. These skills I then made my strengths over the placement year which in turn will help with future employment.

The atmosphere was always a happy one. You can always approach people as there is an open desk policy. This helps in chatting with people you dont normally know or just to have a chat with someone to get away from work.

My overall work was organised well, with placement document deadlines to be hit all through the year. The work for the placement was very ad hoc, but parts where organised well with having work with Human Resources, Finance, Training and Development and Business Improvement.

Personal training was training on the job with Airbus as they do not invest in interns unless it is neccessary for your job. This is a negative with an internship with Airbus.

I would like to come back and work here full time as the work environment is fantastic and the people always approachable.

With over 65 other interns on site, the social scene was excellent, with intern meetings every month for communications and interns days and nights out.

I lived at home for the year and saved alot of money compared to interns renting a room.

Bristol town centre, clifton triangle and chipping sodbury high street all places with brilliant night life. Lots of pubs and things to do around Airbus and Bristol.

Plenty of oppotunites to get involved with charity activities, different sports and clubs to join up to.