Placement Year Review at Vauxhall

The Role

Role Description

Gathering, analysing and presenting data on the throughput of the bodyshop on a daily basis. This is vital for the correct focus of resources in order to improve the efficiency, and therefore production rate; of the body shop. Working closely with maintence in order to provide technical documentation in a standardised format. Both detailing the functionality of key equipment but also producing quick (step-by-step) reference guides for regular maintenance procedures. Additional further training in statistical engineering (for example) in order to solve real life, long-running problems.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

PLEASE NOTE: This review was for a placement at General Motors prior to the amalgamation of Vauxhall and General Motors (The RateMyPlacement Team)

The undergraduate I replaced told me that I would learn more than I could imagine. He was right so I have been telling my replacement the same thing.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I have worked closely with a range of people so can happily share a joke with them and often talk of non-work-related matters. I will definately miss the people I have worked with.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I have had both 6-monthly performance and developement reviews and weekly reviews with my line manager. I also have my own personal mentor assigned to me within the organisation but benefited even more from interaction with the 8 other placement students this year.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I am unsure how to rate this as I feel the busier I am the better the placement is. If I ever feel too busy it is because I haven't managed my time correctly or have taken on too much at once. Not only is there more than enough work waiting for you when you arrive here; but you have every oppertunity to work on anything you are interested in.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was heavily relied on in all areas of my work. I provided the data for meetings which I ran. I have directly trained existing employees and have applied myself to both working as a production opperator and as a maintenace member at times. Documentation I have produced will be used for years to come.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I feel so much more confident about my capabilities for my return to studying. I am a lot more focused and have high hopes for attaining a graduate position with a company I want to work with. Definately work a year out to gain what I have gained.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

People always have a joke around and make you welcome each morning but it was obvious throughout the year that the hard work never stopped either. Colleagues regularly played their own music - especially approaching Christmas!

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Excellent and long-established placement scheme meant that everything was already in place. The number of placement students taken on in the local area, and the thought that had gone into the content of the placements; was excellent.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

General motors has it's own online university which I have always been free to access and benefit from. Certain courses were suggested to me whilst larger, internal training courses (chosen specifically for my role) where an integral part of my year from the off.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

• Sports and Social Club
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop
• Above 25 days holiday

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Within the manufacturing facility here in Luton, the future job prospects rely heavily on whether a new van model is to be built from 2013 onwards. Across Europe, General motors has invested heavily in the engineering side of their products resulting in the creation of over 200 engineering jobs that I know of.

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

With approximately 70 undergraduates taken on per year within the same local area there is a great social scene for those that want it. The highlight definately being during the first and last 2 weeks of the year in the 'handover' periods.

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 0/10

My circumstances have been unusual in that I moved with my partner and supported her financially for the year. This obviously increased my cost of living and I am unsure of how expensive fellow placement students have found there time here.

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

I personally do not enjoy going out in the evening. Or at least not into the local pubs/bars/clubs. I much prefer the outdoors and nature so I avoided the local nightlife.

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Through email, newsletters, websites, and even verbal communication - we were made aware of various activities. From football, wakeboarding, to mountaineering and tree planting for charity.

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

Today is my final day here in my placement. I have enjoyed every project I have worked on. I have been pushed and learned a lot about myself and am sad that it's coming to an end! Definately one of the better placements!

Review 33/61 for Vauxhall

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