Undergraduate Engineer Review

I spent time in 3 different departments, two of which were not really tailored to my interests and as a result the work in those departments was not particularly enjoyable. I was also surprised by how a mjority of engineering positions are desk bound, which is not my cup of tea. I did however learn a lot about a Aeronautical industry and helicopters, which are interests of mine, plus the one department i enjoyed most was quiate engaging.

Since i was an inexperienced undergraduate, essentially working for free, i did not expect to be held in as high regard as the long serving staff. However generally i was treated very well, given good praise and feedback and felt like part of a team.

2 of my 3 managers were excellent in helping me when i required it and ensuring i was kept busy with tasks. One however did not commit as much time to me as i would have liked.

When i worked in Structural and then Transmssion Test, the work load fluctuated regularly, an inherent characteristic of those particular departments. Airframe Systems had a much more consistent work load. Generally throughout my time i did not find that i was given time constrsaints or deadlines.

I was generally given tasks which were required and not just allocated to me to keep me busy. When i was in Structural Test i was at times responsible for some very expensive equipment and components which i could have easily mistakenly damaged.

I have not returned to university yet, however i think that improvement in my work ethic will definitely help me for my final year and some of the knoledge will be relevant but as a majority of the work i did was not technical theory based but particular to helicopter components it wont be that useful on my course.

Structural Test was excellent, i got on very well with my colleagues and there was always a bit of banter in the office. Transmissions test was poor, there were very few employees and i was a desk alone. Airframe Systems was also generally very good, but a little quiter than ST.

The scheme was supported by AW and my university so i had very few issues. The main improvement i would have made would be to obtain placements in departments more suited to my interests, although this is not always possible and was mainly down to a lack of planninf and effort from myself.

I participated in a Presenting a Proffesional Image workshop and was also given all the neccessary training to conduct my work. I was aware of other courses which may have been beneficial but since i was only with the company for 12 months it probably would not have been worthwilw the company forking out for them.

There is an excellent 2 year grad scheme with good pay and no obligation at the end. I feel that with my successful application for this undergraduate and the corresponding 12 months spent with the company, during which i have performed well, i would be a contender for a place.

9 of the 10 undergraduates in my intake were great and we all got on well, regularly meeting up inside and outside of work. I also got to know a handfull of ex graduate and current graduate students, as well as various other people from my offices.

Similar price to my student living expenses, my housing rent was £287 a month (shared) and general ameniaties were reasonable. Petrol is not that bad either.

As Yeovil is not a student town the nightlife is somewhat lacking. There are plenty of bars from modern and classy to spoons, but in terms of nightclubs there is only one worth visiting, but only because its basically the only one. Entry fee is a little high as well.

I joined the local tennis club, there are plenty of sports facilites, mountian biking locations within driving distance and some local attractions. AW also has two social groups for different age ranges which organise events on a regular basis at subsidised rates. As a group of undergrads we always found something to do and generally had a good time.