Technical Placement Student Review

I learned a lot, both about the running of such a large company and the specifics of rolling steel. The department I was in was extremely welcoming and everyone I encountered was very friendly. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and plan to go back next summer.

Everyone was very welcoming. I was included in most aspects of the department and was encouraged to interact with others around me.

I was assigned an excellent manager who supported me throughout my placement. He gave me tasks and helped if I was struggling with anything.

While there were occasions where I felt at a bit of a loose end, most of the time I was kept busy without feeling over loaded.

I was expected to get certain amounts of work done, and was left to arrange my own hours as long as I got them all done. I was also expected to find the information required for my tasks, without being directly pointed at it. The department I was in didn't lend itself brilliantly to giving large amounts of responsibility but I was given a reasonable amount.

Academically, the most helpful skill I picked up was a knowledge of working with Microsoft Excel and associated programs as well as some other software. These will be helpful both in my course and later on. Also my confidence was greatly increased as a result of the placement and this has also helped me at university and will do later in life. It has greatly lowered my anxiety about entering the world of work.

I was in an office with about a dozen people and it was most often a really nice place to be. Everyone was friendly and would include me in conversations. There was almost always a positive attitude.

There were some issues with getting email accounts set up but apart from that it was done very well. I was aware what was going on most of the time and who I should contact if there was an issue with any part of my placement.

There were various training programs available to us whilst on the placement that we could take part in an receive certificates from. Also my department were keen for me to learn as much as possible whilst there. They were also good at making sure I developed as a person during the 3 months.

Following the placement, as well as an interview and workshop, I am being sponsored by the company. This means I can do another placement next year. If this was my final year of university it would mean I was offered graduate opportunities after university. This is the route I hope to follow given it was such a good place to work.

Numerous "get togethers" were organised by the placement students during the 3 months, including bowling, meals and drinks. Everyone made an effort to include everyone, especially those who were not from the area and therefore didn't really know anyone.

I already lived locally with my parents and am not particularly into going out a lot, but from what I know it's not too expensive an area.

I'm not really into going out at night so can't really comment.

There were a few opportunities including an invitation to join the company cricket team.