Student Design Engineer Review

I really enjoyed my placement. My position in the Design department (Powertrain) meant I was constantly working on different projects involving all aspects of the Powertrain units. Some required very quick turn arounds while others were constant on going projects that allowed me to follow the design process from initial design through to arrival of initial production components.

Right from the start I felt very welcomed by my colleagues, especially those in my team. Despite being a large company, there is a tight knit atmosphere meaning you get to know people from many other departments all willing to help, and once I got to know many of these people they seemed to be more than happy to come directly to me with questions and queries rather than my supervisors. I felt my team members quite quickly began to trust me and would ask me to help out with various tasks.

Everyone within the company is always willing to help - at no time did I feel I was unable to get assistance with something. The other members of the team I was with were especially helpful and always had time or made time to help out, but the same applies to everyone within the company.

The first couple of months were mostly training and getting up to speed with how everything works within the company, but once I'd got the hang of everything I was always busy. On top of on-going projects, there was a steady stream of extra tasks requested by my supervisors, my team members and various other people within the company meaning I contantly had things to do. The volume of work was never too excessive, but I quickly learnt how to better manage my workload (admittedly still something I'm trying to master completely, but I was given many hints and tips on this throughout the year).

My main project was an update to one of our model ranges which required component design, testing and acquisition of components in preparation for test bikes to be built on the assembly line. Project timings were critical, and whilst I reviewed my progress regularly with my supervisors, there was a significant responsibility on my part to complete the work on time. Every task I was set was handled in a similar fashion, so I feel I was left responsible for a lot of work, but always had the support available if necessary and had regular but not over frequent reviews to ensure I was working to the expected high standards.

The array of tasks I had to complete meant I used a variety of what I'd learnt at University, but I found applying this meant I understood and developed my understanding much further than I had at University. Having to consider the contriants of the production environment gave me a good understanding of the production world and how design has to consider the product as a whole, from cost, manufacture, assembly and service requirements. I especially learnt how to manage my time and workload better, something that will be especially useful when returning to University and in future careers too.

The atmosphere was very good. It is very professional but everyone is very friendly and approachable. People are always happy to discuss ideas and problems.

Very well. Initially there is a lot of training to help get all the new starters (students and graduates) up to speed. Doing this as a group means you very quickly get to know people but you also spend time with your team so you also get to know the people you're going to be working with too.

There is the initial training required to get you up to speed but there were also a few training sessions throughout the year for various things. I didn't feel as though we as students were left out from any training despite the fact we are only at the company for a year. This is helps you feel integral within the company and not just a temporary member of the team.

The company are constantly recruiting, so prospects look hopeful (still working for the company at time of writing)

With all the new starters training together you get to know everyone, however after the first month or so of training you spend so much time with your team members you get to know them as well as the other new starters.

I actually lived in Loughborough not in Hinckley but I beleive they're OK. Trains to Birmingham aren't too expensive either.

Because I lived in Loughborough I didn't experience this much. I hear it's alright, but thankfully Birmingham's not far on a train either...

There are a few activities that the company or people within the company arrange including a yearly design & development event (during my year it was dodgeball), a Christmas party and several cycle rides.