Applied Mechanics - Placement Student Review

Thoroughly enjoyable. Would strongly recommend to anyone looking to expand their skills who is self motivated. Responsibility afforded but not a pressured environment.

Given I was only there for the summer, it was nice to be introduced to the department at the meeting and to be given the chance to present to executives. Colleagues reached out by offering chance to join for morning coffee or play football after work etc. Generally friendly and open to help.

Whenever I asked they always seemed to be happy to support. Perhaps could have been more organized but generally seemed interested in my development.

There were times at the beginning when there was little to do due to hold ups in IT or software requests but generally if I was not interested in the work or had too little I could get involved with more by asking.

One of the key selling points is that they allowed me to submit technical reports I wrote in my own name, opportunities to direct technicians etc once I had been there a short while and understood the processes.

Definitely improved programming skills which should be applicable later, as well as confidence in communication among other things and chance to work on CAD skills.

Light-hearted and fun. Definitely felt like jokes weren't frowned upon if appropriate even in team meetings. However, most remained focus on their tasks with occasional breaks for coffee and chats about sport etc.

Fairly well organized. Thought I was starting a week earlier than I did and had to wait a short while for IT to get up and running. The good thing about no set project meant it was flexible in terms of what I wanted to do.

Since this is my second time and they have invited me back again, they are very interested in my training and development. Time was invested from even top directors to see my progress and meet with me.

They invited me back to have another summer placement next year. It is an appealing company to work for.

Yes, although more so among summer placements only as year placements had already formed their own friendship group. Was nice to have people of my own age to eat lunch with.

Low cost of living and socializing compared to southern England.

Okay, Darlington has one club which is good for a friday night out but head to Newcastle for more choice. Only 30 mins on the train but problem is getting back as last train is roughly 10 o clock.

Yes, for example regular 7 a side football. Also sports and social club member day trips.