Industrial Placement Student Review

I really enjoyed my placement which was based on site at a Power Station. It stretched me and I learnt about many processes on plant. The continued learning and training made the placement very enjoyable as did the department I worked in.

My colleagues at the start helped me to learn about the plant and the processes on station. Once I knew enough I began to be able to help them in which they were very appreciative. I am near the end of my placement now and have delivered significant chunks of work for many people.

My supervisor set up weekly meetings to make sure I always had enough work and that we could address anything I wanted to talk about on a 1:1 basis. We also wrote the weekly review down so that we could track my progress and what work I was completing. These reviews were really useful at the start as I was only given simple tasks to do. Now they provide a time I can address any work I am struggling with or just review where I am with my work. My supervisor is really interested in my development so has pushed me throughout the year.

At the start of the placement (as always) I was hardly ever busy. However, as I learnt more I took on more roles and responsibilities and am now busy every day. My advice to other placement students is that there is always something to do or someone to learn from so the key is to ask for something to do or to ask to watch/help other more experienced workers.

During my placement I have been given many tasks to complete for various people. One of the main tasks is monitoring a database and holding the users accountable for completing their work on time. I also have to run meetings and coordinate work with many different departments on site. I still need my departments help for some tasks as I do not have as large a knowledge base but I have a lot of responsibility in this job.

I believe the skills set I have acquired since being at EDF Energy will help to secure me a job after university. I have learnt about interdepartmental coordination which can be translated to many jobs so has given me a versatile grounding. I aspire to work in the nuclear industry and the attitudes and behaviors I have learnt whilst at EDF will go a long way to helping me do this.

The atmosphere was always fun and the people great to be around. They took an interest in my personal life and shared theirs which made me feel instantly relaxed around them.

The placement was contracted out to another company which made things a little more complicated. However the placement itself was well organised with some specific goals and a great supervisor in place. The paperwork through the subcontractor made things take a little longer however this is to be expected.

The company invested in a lot of training for me. EDF Energy will always give enough training when it is highlighted as needed. In this area they are generally outstanding. I completed 20 training courses and further 'on the job training' with field experts including an expert from the Central Technical Organisation.

I will be seeking a place on the EDF Energy graduate scheme as I believe it will allow me to seek out many opportunities to progress in my career. I have already secured an interview for the sponsorship programme for whilst I am back at university. I would advise any student studying Engineering/Science to consider EDF Energy as a graduate job employer and for a placement as they are great to work for.

There were 6 other placement students on site and I set up a Weekly meeting in which we could meet and talk. This also developed into idea and knowledge sharing which became very useful for all of us. We have also met outside of work quite a few times with a few more meets before we finish our placements.

The area we live in is very cheap for going out to get some food or a drink so made this very easy.

The night life was good as there is a university nearby.

There are quite a few opportunities around. There are more academically orientated ones such as going to Nuclear related talks hosted on site in the evenings to more sporty ones including the Station Cup for gold and there is an active Football league many people on station partake in.