Indsutrial Placement Review

My placement was rotation based so I spent 3 month in 4 different departments. This allowed me to experience a very wide range of work within the company. Most of the work was extremely enjoyable and there was always room to learn more and experience more of the types of work I was interested in.

I felt that because Cummins take on a lot of Industrial Placements that all the work colleagues understand the work that a placement can achieve. A lot of responsibility was given to me and I was treated as an equal by everyone who I worked with.

I had 4 different managers during my time as Cummins and every single manager took the time to guide me when I needed it. They would take time out of their busy schedules to make sure I understood the work set to me. they were also all keen on questions being asked when needed.

I was never rushed off my feet wondering how I would get all the work done. Some of the time there was enough work to be busy but not overwhelmed. Occasionally there were times when I had finished what was required of me and the management were searching for more work to be set for me to do.

A couple of departments allowed me great responsibility which included organising meetings and discussions with suppliers. I was able to purchase items that I thought we needed to fix an issue we had. I was trusted with larger pieces of work and was left to complete them with the management not having to check up and intervene in the work. Other departments were more constrained where the work to be done didn't feel like huge responsibility,

I have developed countless skills that I will be able to use throughout my whole working life. I have worked with and around some of the best engineers in the company and been able to take a lot of their techniques and skills with me.

The atmosphere was very upbeat in a couple of departments. Workers would regularly discuss topics and work whilst having fun too. This improved morale of the team and everybody was happy to be at work. Other departments were a little quieter and more serious but that didn't mean it wasn't fun. Workers would still discuss and enjoy their time at work.

The set up of the placement was almost flawless. Considering I and 13 others changed departments every 3 months, there was a lot for the people in control to deal with. Work had to be completed or passed over without affecting the new placement and regular meetings were set up with management so there was always a chance to discuss any problems people had. The only reason it is not a 10 is it sometimes took a few days to be completely set up in the new department.

The company are willing to let you do anything that will enhance your learning experience. I had the opportunity to visit numerous suppliers to learn how other people worked. There was also countless training programmes to sign up for if I or my manager felt it would be useful for me.

The company takes on a certain number of graduates every year. It also provides sponsorship for the people it feels are worth the investing to get back once they graduate. I am hoping to come back to this company once I graduate in a years time.

Yes, placement students got along very well and many of them lived in the same house after being assisted by the company before they started working.

The cost of living was affordable and the places available were within walking distance to the workplace. There are a wide variety of activities to be done in the surrounding area including sports venues, shops, bars and restaurants. These are also very affordable to take part in.

I personally don't take part in many nightlife activities but most of the other placement students seems to enjoy the variety in places that were available to go. The places are close together so it does not require a huge walk to go to another place. There is also a lot of people going out during the night due to the proximity of the University.

The company has a fantastic policy of expecting each employee to spend at least 4 hours a year doing charitable activities during work hours. The opportunities are constantly emailed and placed on the bulletin board. I feel this opens the doors to activities people wouldn't have thought were available and there is every opportunity to continue on with these activities outside of the work place.