Test/CAD Engineer Review

The placement gave me a fantastic opportunity to relate my theoretical studies in a more practical environment compared with my university course. I covered a diverse range of tasks throughout the year while being responsible for an individual design project. The placement was very enjoyable and many of the tasks provided a good challenge to further develop on the experiences gain earlier in the year.

My colleagues have always gone out of their way to make me feel welcome. Even before the placement, the company was always happy to answer any questions about the placement. Throughout the year the team held regular socials including regular football sessions, go-karting, nights out and meals. This was brilliant for the students who have relocated to work at the company and are living on their own.

Throughout the year, I was assigned a mentor to guide me through daily tasks and project work. Being my main point of contact, my mentor provided me with most of the training needed to complete the tasks. Training was always given before I was expected to complete a particular activity and colleagues across different departments were always approachable and helpful when being asked for advice. I was also supported through attending an internal presentation skills course, providing me with the skills needed to deliver an effective presentation.

Throughout the placement, I was responsible for the running, calibration and maintenance for a particular test and was responsible for my own design project. As a result, work was always available if tasks assigned by supervisors were completed or awaiting feedback. The team was always busy with a variety of project work and daily activities however there were periods throughout the year which were busier than others depending on associated deadlines.

The level of responsibility increased as the year progressed. Towards the end of the placement, I was able to use more expensive equipment independently once I was able to demonstrate a high understanding of the machine. I was also assigned activities associated with more responsibility once I proved I had a good understanding of the fundamentals needed to complete the task.

Much of the daily tasks throughout the placement have been laboratory based. As a result I have developed a variety of practical skills which I could transfer into any design related activity. The experience has also provided me with experience dealing with material selection, manufacturing processes and British Standards. I’ve also gained a great amount of CAD related skills in terms of effective modelling, drafting and assembly constraints while also experiencing the rapid prototype modeller.

The atmosphere in the office was always enjoyable to work and concentrate in and provided a good working balance. My colleagues were always available for advice on a number of topics involving work and non-work related activities.

The placement was adequately set up. All the information about the placement was provided in good time before the placement started and there was a good communication flow between my supervisors in terms of university submissions. The work set my supervisors were also allocated to provide me with different experiences were possible.

I was able to attend a presentational skills course provided by an external company. This allowed me to develop my communicational skills and practice presenting in front of an audience. The opportunity was fantastic for further university presentations involving final year projects.

The company can offer a final year university project which is a massive perk for students looking for projects while on placement. This also allows you to keep in contact with the company and find out about possible graduate roles.

Colleagues from the office held weekly football sessions once a week. Regular nights out, meals and go-karting events were also organised throughout the year which is perfect for students who are living on their own.

Private student accommodation linked with the local university was available at a reasonable price, located in the town centre and only a 10/15 minute drive away from work. All the well-known food stores, shopping outlets and social areas involving a cinema and bowling centre were in walking distance from the town centre.

The nightlife in the town centre was often quite but offered a reasonable in-expensive night out. The town offered a good number of bars and clubs and kebab places.

Yes the local university has clubs which you can join. The town also has a local rugby club, martial art clubs and a swimming centre.