Year in Industry Student Review

I have thoroughly enjoyed my palcement. It meant a lot that I was given a surprising amount of responsibility and I contributed well.

I didn't know many of my colleagues very well- they didn't really approach me or seem to want to get to know me. However I felt like my work made a difference and was valued and that I made a difference to my team.

I often times didn't need help or guidance but whenever I did there was always someone there to help me. The team made it clear that they wanted to look after me and that any question I had would not be a silly one.

It really varied. At one point I was run off my feet and felt like far too much had to be done... But then I have had days when II've been very bored and have had to look for things to do.

I feel like in myu main project I was given a lot of responsibility and I was put in charge of quite a substantial piece of work. But then a lot of my work was minor and I felt like any one could do it. I feel like I could have been given mroe and this would have motivated me further. I was surprised by the amount of responsibility I was given- I was expecting to not be given as much as I was during my big project. However I could've handled more.

Not very much at all. I didn't do much technical work. I have learnt a lot about the workplace and myself, however I don't even feel like I've learnt what it's like to be a true engineer. I have developed hugely as a person and feel like I am ready to face the world. I am excited to go to uni to learn more about myself and I am grateful for the preparation that this year has given me for that.

The office is dull and just packed with people. I feel like the team I am in doesn't intergeate well and doesn't feel very much like a team.

It was good but not brilliant. I feel like I was very lucky because I had someone else new in my team who had started a bit before I had who showed me the ropes and taught me a lot. I feel like without him I would've been very lost. I think the team has had placement students before so knew how to treat me however the company doesn't have a very good policy for new starters and doesn't welcome them as much they should. A massive organisation like EDF, who takes on as many placement students as it does, should have a fantastic programme in place however it doesn't.

I was impressed by the amount of training I recieved. I learnt a lot about nuclear power generation. They aren't afraid to send you on training courses at EDF and it's very helpful as a placement student in order to learn about the industry. Furthermore, if you look for it, there is a grant which EDF gives for personal development outside of work- £150 paid towards a course/ training (I used it to pay for a maths course in preparation for university).

Looks like a nice place to start a career, getting a name like EDF on your CV is good. There is a good pay structure with appraisals and regular pay increases.. I am not sure I am sold on working for EDF.. I don't know if it's the right industry for me.

Yes, witht eh other industrial placements/ Year in industry students. We set up an email distribution list and met up over lunches and sometimes on the weekends. I made some good friends.

I think it's a nice area so you might pay a bit more... But it never stopped me going out or paying for things.

There are a lot of bars/ restaurants/ thigns to do. Only one club but I didn't want more/ go often because I'm not really a clubber. It was good for me.

Cheltenham has LOADS to get involved with. I am a christian so got heavily involved in my church. I played football with some girls from work- I looked for the team and got involved.