Industrial Placement - Manufacturing Engineering Review

As a placement student within the Manufacturing Engineering department, I am exposed to countless skills and consequently, no day is the same. Currently I am standing in as operations engineer for one of the assembly here at Cummins, which involves trying to make the line more efficient mechanically, and reacting to issues such as customer complaints.

I have learn a plethora of new skills here. I have been given the opportunity to develop my basic skills in areas such as 3D modelling, for example, to a much higher level. I have also been able to learn completely new skills like how to program a collaborative robot, or a vision system, which is a skill I feel as though I would not have been exposed to at this point in my career if I did not chose to do a placement year.

Yes, I was given the role of stand in Operations Engineer for the High Horse Power Line, one of the three assembly lines here at Huddersfield. This felt like a great responsibility to me and I felt as though it allowed me to try and prove myself within the role, making me push harder to learn new skills and ask more question. I have received fantastic support within and outside of the function, and I have never felt like I was left on my own.

I was given constant support throughout my placement, not only from those within the manufacturing engineering function, but from everyone here at Cummins TT. When I was made stand in operations engineer, I had no clue what to do or even what the job was. However, support and help was on hand constantly and I very soon began to feel really comfortable within the role. This is something I am very grateful for.

The general atmosphere at Cummins was extremely welcoming. I expected my first day of placement to be an extremely intimidating and nerve racking experience. This however was not the case as the company hosted an 'ice-breaker' day the week before starting, allowing all the students to meet one another and also to meet those in the function you would be working side. This was something that meant a lot to me as I felt instantly recognized and looked after.

I really enjoyed my placement here at Cummins. I feel as though the experience and skills I have gained from my time here are invaluable. I felt extremely valued and well looked after. I was given amazing support but also, when I became comfortable, I was given independence within my role, which really allowed me to learn what life as an employee here is really like. The time I have experienced here has made me want to return after university.

Yes

Research what the company does, and the fundamentals of a turbo charger.