Mechanical Engineering Placement Student - Reliability Engineering Review

I support reliability in manufacture of antibiotics. This involves doing problem solve investigations when machines fail in a way that can impact quality or safety. I support in implementing actions from these investigations to prevent reoccurrence of the same issues. I also work on continual improvement of the machines to make them more reliable, efficient and safer. This is often by making modifications or sourcing new parts for machines. I have also covered risk assessments, project investment proposals and much more.

I have learnt or developed the following: Root cause analysis and problem solving. Power Bi data analysis. Change control procedure. Risk assessment for manual handling; machinery safety and general workplace. Project charters and project investment proposals. GEMBA. Fundraise. Presentation. Team meetings and leadership. Project planning. Engineering technical knowledge. Pharmaceutical secondary manufacture technical knowledge. Career development plans. Delivering on time to high standards. Regulation and compliance.

I was given a lot of responsibility during my placement. This is earnt from being given tasks that have low responsibility to begin with. Once capability and reliability is built then I was given progressively more. This does not mean working alone but simply that it is your responsibility to ensure you access the correct people and knowledge to complete work.

Varied due to having multiple managers at the start of the year. Once I had a settled and confirmed manager I had a good level of support. It must be mentioned this varied between individuals and that support is out there but you may have to go and find it and ask people to get full benefits.

Company culture was good but there was a variety of opinion and thoughts on things across different departments and individuals. General atmosphere was very good.

Over the first 4 months there was a fluctuation of feeling about my placement but as I progressed I enjoyed my placement, it helps when you feel you are able to make a larger contribution and are valued by the team. This also coincided with having a more stable line manager.

Yes

Same advice as most people applying to internships to try and align to the culture and values of the company and do some research into what you are applying for. Be yourself in interview stage.