Industrial Trainee Review

I am an industrial trainee working within the tunnels team, currently working on a multidisciplinary trenchless tunnel project. I am responsible for ensuring all documents/drawings and calculations are tracked in a project register and updating regularly. I co-ordinate the drawing production ensuring they are marked up in line with our design requirements. I write design reports, carry out preliminary calculations, risk assessments, and communicate with other disciplines.

I have gained a wide range of skills, the main ones are: - Teamwork - Software skills (Civil 3d) - Responsibility (taking on tasks, initiating / chasing other disciplines while PM was away) - Presentation (presenting to wider tunnels team)

In my first project, I realised my potential when I was given the responsibility of the outline design package for two crossings which included the design report, drawing production and calculations/settlement analysis. Being able to juggle more than one crossing was a skill as well as ensuring all information relevant to that crossing was captured correctly. Also, I was learning on the job, so was up to me to self learn multiple new software (Civil 3d, Surfer etc) . From then on, I was familiar with the scale of work and continued to work on two other projects and complete tasks efficiently during the rest of my placement. I was also responsible for the checking/approval status of documents that were being issued to clients.

I have been supported hugely throughout my placement and am grateful to have been surrounded by a range of professionals (chartered, graduates, principal engineers etc) and have learnt something valuable from each. The office environment is extremely welcoming aswell.

Everyone in the office was very friendly and approachable. I felt like I could ask questions to anyone and there was always opportunities to enjoy activities with the wider team in and outside of the office.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement and it has been a pleasure working in the tunnels team with such supportive and inspiring colleagues. I have gained a lot of confidence in my ability to perform technical tasks and engage with a range of different people. I really appreciate the responsibilities and challenges that I have been given as they have allowed me to grow and think critically and know that there are multiple different solutions to solve one problem. I have had a range of project experiences from gradually learning at my own pace at the beginning and then being involved in a fast paced programme with tight deadlines later on in the year which was challenging yet rewarding once deliverables were issued. I am grateful for having a very encouraging line manager who was always looking out for new opportunities and projects, and responded to my goals well. I must say this year in industry has certainly exceeded my expectations and I look forward to completing my degree with a clearer sense of direction once I finish university.

Yes

Apply for more than one role if you are interested, and expand your opportunities as I found myself interested in another sector. However, you will realise that you will work with other disciplines regardless (geotechnical, hydraulic etc) and can get to work on a project that encompasses a range of backgrounds. Make sure you understand the role/sector and research diligently which will make your interview easier.