Mechanical Maintainance intern Review

The placement offered a wide range of relevant activities that helped my confidence in the field of mechanical engineering and enhanced my ability to apply myself to engineering problems in industry. It gave an insight into the working reality of the mechanical engineering discipline and has supplemented my degree, experience wise in a rewarding way.

Colleagues where initially welcoming and friendly, they provided a wide range of technical support from their large variety of disciplines that has helped me learn how industrial teams co-ordinate their skills to achieve common goals. I felt that despite my knowledge as a placement student was limited; colleagues where often available to assist and clarify in projects I was assigned. This atmosphere greatly enhanced my ability to communicate clearly and learn from their experience.

Excellent support and guidance offered by supervisor. Very knowledgeable and set realistic projects that where relevant to my discipline and challenged me appropriately. Always spared time to liaise on technical and personal matters where appropriate. Supervisor had many years of experience which inspired me throughout the course of the placement.

Large and small projects assigned throughout the placement. Regular activities and responsibilities scheduled that maintained work load fairly on a day to day basis. If projects/activities where completed early, new tasks could always be acquired quickly by the supervisor or where unavailable from colleagues requesting technical based support on their own projects/tasks.

Responsibilities where not offered to a major extent due to the nature and complexity of my discipline; however in project work, responsibilities gradually became greater and more important, especially regarding time delivery on tasks assigned. I believe once capability and integrity is proven in regard to responsibility more serious and important duties will be assigned.

The placement has allowed me to apply the theoretical basis of my degree into practical and real world terms. Training and knowledge I have acquired has supplemented my degree by providing real world scenarios to relate to when solving theoretical based problems in the degree. Such developments in my experience will allow me to cope with the demand of work in the future and also proves by capabilities to future employers. This has drastically increased my employability and confidence in industry.

Positive, strong work ethic, however not too strict or uncomfortable. Easily fit in with the various staff members who have become good friends. No petty squabbles among staff make for an approachable and comfortable atmosphere that allows you to enjoy work. Office is always productive and any technical assistance is always available and accessible

Well implemented system that has provided a steady and challenging work flow with the freedom of creativity. Intermittently transferred to different departments to gain insight into how each one operates giving a broad perspective upon how different teams of people with different responsibilities and backgrounds work together and apply themselves to engineering problems.

The company provided training involving health and safety and procedure compliance. Most personal training was issued by liaising with internal staff to understand technical engineering concepts, theory and procedures. Not much external investment e.g comprehensive training courses by third parties was attained however the training attained in-house was satisfactory in helping me integrate technically wise in the company.

The company treats its employees well and those who put the work in are rewarded with advancements and investments into their career. The company offers a challenging but engaging workload with a good team atmosphere that allows for enjoyable work. Management and supervisors are highly knowledgeable with many years of experience, providing solid organisational support and understanding to personal circumstances.

A healthy social aspect among colleagues was evident, with various organised events

As Hexham is based close to Newcastle, I chose to live there which is significantly larger and amenity packed. A wide range of accommodation at variable prices was available while the close proximity to many shopping outlets meant that the cost of living was competitive as opposed to living in rural areas. The main expense aside from accommodation for this scenario would be transport in which would require the use of the train/car which can be costly.

Nightlife in Newcastle is extensive and ideal for placement students as the area boasts two universities, this makes you very compatible with the social aspects of the city. The city features a wide range of bars, clubs and cultural events which make socialising enjoyable and easy to integrate into, which also facilitates the opportunity to meet new people and improve quality of life.

Egger promote a healthy lifestyle campaign which encourages the organisation to host events outside of work. You can very easily sign up and take part in these events in a comfortable and healthy environment.