Mechanical Facilities Engineer / Product Validation Engineer Review
by Caterpillar
This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
-
The Role
4.3
-
The Company
3.7
-
The Culture
3.6
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
Opportunity to undertake two 6 month placements gives a much broader experience of the business and the industry as a whole. Has allowed for experience on a varying range of projects of varying difficulties and intensities which have been extremely beneficial and enjoyable.
Placements all undertake valuable work within the company, and are thus valued as any permanent employee would be.
Assistance was provided wherever it was needed/requested. Also actively encouraged to bolster knowledge and understanding whenever the opportunity arose.
Minimal work during introductory and handover periods as would be expected; but once projects are undertaken there is always plenty of work available, and more always available upon request
Always involved in genuine projects for the benefit of the business and often the sole team representative in a number of important meetings/decisions. Heavily relied upon to deliver projects against targets and to deadlines.
Time management skills have been an enormous benefit from the placement year and will undoubtedly help upon returning to university. Also benefited from taking project responsibility which will be of great use in university projects
The Company
Fairly standard office atmosphere.
Placement program has been run for years, and the fluidity and refinement of the system is obvious right from the start
Actively encouraged to seek out learning and experiences for personal gain. A personal development document is also maintained throughout the year (same as all employees complete) to ensure that personal enhancement and education is not being ignored.
Caterpillar is very good and rewarding to work for. Feel extremely well valued as an employee and lots of encouragement given regarding future employment prospects.
The Culture
Very good sized group of placements and able to freely socialise with them during lunch and out of work with ease. Teams often organise social events for special occasions.
Reasonably priced accommodation in relatively new build properties! Prices for social activities similar to most large towns and cities.
Plenty of options available, all fit the bill; although nothing stand-out.
Numerous ties with local schools for STEM volunteering activities. Also lots of sporting opportunities organised by employees. Plenty of variation for other pleasure activities
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
Automotive Engineering, Engineering
East of England
June 2013
