Mechanical Development Test Engineer Review

Very wide range of work undertaken, given lots of responsibility.

I was treated like a full time employee

Lots of guidance, weekly 1:1 sessions to discuss anything I wanted to, and the opportunity to join the Professional Development Scheme with IMechE to work towards my chartership

There was almost always something to do, and asking for work there was always something to be given to keep busy, but if you had too much work you were not pushed to complete it all.

I was given a lot of responsibility, leading engine tests and supporting projects to validate new parts.

The experience I have gained has been invaluable. I have gained both practical and technical knowledge which will assist me both in my final year of studies and when I go for a graduate job.

The general office atmosphere was very good. Everyone in the team got on well, and were happy to help with any questions I had. I was not treated any differently for being a placement student, and felt like I was a valued member of the team. It was a comfortable environment and I enjoyed working in it.

The placement was organised well; I was given a two week handover period from the previous placement student to introduce me to the role, and was given a laptop on my first day to get set up, with support from both my predecessor and my manager. I was given an induction on my first day, and training throughout the placement, both with other students and with my other team members.

I was given lots of training, and included in all of the training my team members were given even as a student. I had quarterly reviews to review my development and discuss what I was doing well on and areas for development in the next quarter, as well as achievable targets to work towards.

If offered a job, I would take one however it depends whether the company is hiring at the time. I would come back as I think it is a good company to develop yourself and there is room to move up in the organisation if desired, and the years experience I have gained has made me more motivated to want a job in this sector.

There are a large number of placement students at my location, therefore it is easy to make friends and organise social events outside of work. My team also had socials every few months outside of work, which made the team more familiar with one another and helped me to get to know them outside of the working environment.

I did not live in the area therefore I do not know the cost of living, however it was not really an expensive area to live in, and there are some local pubs and restaurants which were not too expensive. There are also surrounding areas to live in which are similar.

The area was not very big, therefore the nightlife was lacking, however there are quite a few surrounding areas where there is a better nightlife that are not too difficult to get to. Most of the placement students lived in the surrounding areas, not directly in the area where the plant was, which made it easier to go out somewhere different as there were other placement students places to stay at.

There was a sports and social club that offered different sports and events, along with days out such as theme park trips or sight seeing. As the team were close they also organised weekly sporting activities such as badminton that anyone could attend as something to do in the evenings.