Undergraduate Placement in Mechanical Engineering Review

Given plenty of opportunity for work and a really pleasant environment to work in

My help was definitely appreciated and whilst naturally my contribution is limited by experience, they were always pleased with what I provided

My manager was always available to help if needs be as well as my colleagues.

I personally didn't have quite as much work on as I would have liked but I like to be too busy, so for an summer placement it was likely an appropriate amount of work

Some of the larger projects I was involved naturally I had limited responsibility but I had opportunities throughout for greater responsibility, including spending a week covering for someone's day to day role at 80% workload.

General further experience in the working world always improves my organisational skills but interpersonal skills are gained as well.

My immediate office wasn't the most lively due to the average age but they were very friendly and the department as a whole was very cosmopolitan and composed of a lot of young people which created a great atmosphere.

The intern scheme itself is very well organised. My role was not organised very much in a planned manner but i was integrated into the team very quickly doing real work.

Only being here for a summer, there was limited opportunities for further training but I received short term training for necessary tasks and even attended a training day to become the 'knowledge' base for a particular program in the office.On a company basis, the Employee Learning Scheme waas offered which provides funding up to £200 (although you have to pay the tax part) for a whole range of activities. I myself was able to attend a Motorcycle CBT course for £35 (Normally over £100) through the scheme.

I'm planning on obtaining a graduate placement with the company as I very much enjoy the company atmosphere and the graduate scheme has even more perks than the placement

There wasn't anything formally planned but interns did organise their own events outside of work. My flatmates and I lived closer to work than most others who opted to live in subsidised student halls further away in Coventry but still had opportunities for social events and had fun with my flat regardless.

I lived about 5 mins away from work in a village so my accommodation was really cheap and practically next to work. For those living in Leamington it is more expensive and a longer commute but more social opportunities.

Gaydon being in the middle of nowhere has no nightlife to speak of so for myself, it was difficult to get a night out but most students live in Leamington or Coventry where a night out is on their door stop so rate higher based on the general experience.

From my experience, aside from the gym and ELS, there wasn't much comapny organised external activities but this may be perhaps because I didn't seek it as I know there is a JLR football team