Undergraduate Engineer Review

Very much so, I had the opportunity to work in three different departments over my 13 months which gave a great insight into the company.

I was given objectives and deliverables when I arrived in each placement and felt like a valued member of each team I worked in.

My line managers and mentors were extremely helpful and willing to answer any questions I had.

Depending on the department it varied, one departments was very unsteady in terms of workflow but the other two were pretty full on all the time.

Again it depended on the department I was in but generally felt like I was given a very good amount of responsibility.

The placement has given me a lot of context for the topics we study at university which is hugely beneficial but what's even more valuable is learning how a company works and what types of problems you will come across when you start your career.

It depends on the department you are working in but generally a relaxed professional environment. There was occasionally some office politics and gossip but generally its all light hearted. Everyone is very easy to approach and are very willing to answer any questions you might have or refer you to someone who can.

Extremely well organised with a very clear structure to the placement which can be flexible also so overall was very satisfied with the set up. There are 3 different 17 week placements where it is up to you to organise your next one. This really helps developing networking and also allows you to try out a department you might have interest in.

I have been on multiple training courses with the highlights being on the STEM Ambassador program where we received training into how to become Ambassadors to help inspire pupils and students into pursuing STEM careers. I also attended some Matlab seminars and completed further State Flow, Simulink, Flowmaster and AMESim tutorials.

The graduate scheme that the company offers is extremely appealing with good pay and a similar structure where you complete 4 different placements of 6 months each. This again lets you experience varying departments and also allows you to explore different functions that you might not know very much about.

Initially no as we weren't introduced to each other until we all started and we were spread all over site but after we got involved in some assignments together we got to know each other and the social scene improved hugely. Pub lunches occur occasionally and events and activities occur regularly also.

Cost of living was very reasonable with rent about half the price of my student house and utilities etc. didn't seem abnormal. Socialising again is far cheaper than at uni although I did travel back to uni at some cost most weekends to visit friends. The site you work in and its relation to where you will spend most of your time will most likely be the most prevalent factor.

The nightlife was mixed with Blackpool being quite fun as a once in a while night but generally I would travel back to Uni at weekends to go out. I didn't find too much time left empty with nothing to do as you can obviously do as much or as little as you wish.

Yes there were plenty of activities with an 11-a-side league and 5-a-side going on somewhere almost every week night. There were bike rides and charity events which you could also take part in. I made sure when I could get the chance to travel to a different site or get involved in something that I did and think it was definitely worth the effort.