Manufacturing Placement Review

I am currently in area 3 which is the post coatings area for the steel. Area 3 is comprised of: electroplating chrome line (ECCS4), electroplating tin line (ETL5), Shear line (CUL4), Polymer coating (Protact), Coil Prep 3 (CP3), Coil Inspection Line (CIL). My role on placement is learning various skills and using my engineering knowledge to understand the processes. Every morning, we have morning meetings 9-9:30 where night shift issues are discusses, maintenance details, other line issues, any safety issues and any long term issues. I also have projects on Protact and Line 5.

My team working skills have vastly improved from seeing how the crew and engineers fix issues on the line and how they come up with a plan to go about it. Chairing the morning meetings every Wednesday and presentation during the TRIO meeting has helped me with public speaking. My critical thinking skills have developed tremendously, from first hand experience of seeing how the crew will work through issues whether that is through their experience or process of elimination.

Yes, especially having to run an inject coil on Protact (the polymer plating line) as this was to be shipped directly to a United States customer. This responsibility although daunting, helped me feel as though the work I was doing was being noticed. Furthermore, I was also responsible for helping the Filter Presses on Line 5 (electroplating tin line) to become more efficient, this goal was achieved. This responsibility gave me incentive to want to fix the issue even more.

I had bi-weekly reviews with my section manager, and monthly meetings with the operations manager, section manager, engineers and process specialists. This was an opportunity for me to ask for any advice, help, questions and structure. It also gave them an opportunity to see all the work I was doing, as during the monthly meetings I would present them all my work and progress in the form of a PowerPoint.

Very friendly, although at first I was quite intimated being the only girl in this area and the only girl in the new intake of placements and graduates. I soon became familiar and comfortable, the more time I spent learning the line, naturally I spoke to everyone in the area which helped me feel at ease.

As I got more familiar with the area and my co-workers I enjoyed my placement more and more. I have learnt a lot from this experience, and it has given me and insight into my career and what opportunities I have. I have learnt and improved on so many skills such as: public speaking and presenting, which is something I found quite intimidating. This year has helped me grow professionally and has given me an insight on what it is like to work in industry.

Yes

I would say during the first couple of weeks, get to know your line engineers and crew and they have years worth of experience. They will be your best options in learning and understanding your area, line, issues, their daily routine, how maintenances work, SAP, etc etc..