Placement Year Review at Millbrook Proving Ground

The Role

Role Description

A typical day with test booked would include handing over test details that would've been confirmed with the customer before the test date, preparing the test item and instrumentation, setting up relevant documentation. When the test has fired I would need to process the data from the instrumentation on the test, validate the data and gather all information for the customer. Also looking after the customer throughout the day is important. I'd usually have enquiries from other customers to deal with during the day too.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The work was very intesting as the tests were varied with many different customers. Also my collegues were great help and good fun to work with.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was the test engineer for many tests during my placement. I had the responsibilty of the whole test aswell as looking after the customers. This enabled my collegues to get on with other tasks to get the tests done in reasonable time and deal with queries from other customers.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

My direct supervisor ensured I got up to speed quickly and if I had problems, it was easy to get support.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I felt I had a good balance of jobs to get on with. I was usually looking after a test and dealing with other issues so I always had things to do.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I was often the main test engineer for test programs.

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

Some aspects of the job will be useful in my studies however I feel the main benefits of doing a placement here will be helpful when I am in a work environment in the future.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

We could always have a laugh in the office but we were also very productive.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The placement was organised through General Motors. Due to the size of GM it was very organised. There was supposed to be placement reviews during the year however this didn't happen because the HR person that looked after previous undergrads left. However this wasn't an issue for me as I had no problems during my placement.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I was on quite a few training sessions through the year.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised Canteen
• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I have become very interested in test engineering however I am also interested in getting experience in other branches of engineering.. We'll see in 2 years!

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Due to the scheme being through GM, there were approximately 70 undergrads spread across different GM locations. The oppurtunity was there to go out a lot if you went to Luton. Millbrook had around 10 undergrads and I went out a few times to Milton Keynes with collegues and undergrads. Also I went karting and paintballing with collegues. You can make the social scene as good as you want really..

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I commuted to work from Banbury, North Oxfordshire however the surrounding area had good houses at good prices if you live with other undergrads.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Millbrook is in the middle of nowhere but Milton Keynes or Bedford were relatively close.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Lots of activities to get involved in due to the amount of people that work at Millbrook.

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?

Millbrook is a great place to work, you need to make the most of it. Also yes, the tracks are great!

Review 2/4 for Millbrook Proving Ground

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