Electrical Undergraduate Review

Absolutely enjoyed my placement year. I was given real life projects to work on, that would have an impact on the business. I was given well defined objectives from day one, so you know where to start, and don't feel lost. Additionally, the placement is structured in a way which allows you to get a feel of different operations on plant which helps you build a more rounded skillset in engineering. Several opportunities to get involved in activities and events outside of work, which helps you get a good work-life balance. Overall, a really good experience.

All my colleagues were supportive and very friendly. I worked in a busy projects office, and even though everyone had their own priorities, they would take time to explain different concepts on plant and help us grow, this created a family like atmosphere, where everyone's working together to achieve something and at the same time supporting everyone else on the way. We would have presentations to talk about our work, and managers from all over plant would come to these presentations which showed they valued our work and also gave us the chance to network and gain constructive feedback.

I had the most supportive manager, who understood how different university is to working life. And helped me make that transition smoothly by providing constant support throughout the year. One-to-one meetings which took place every month where he would talk about my progress and what I could improve on and was my chance to bring up any issues or problems. In addition to this, the early careers team would regularly check up on us to make sure everything was good. They would organise team building events and training days which would not only help us build new skills but also encourage community building.

During my year long placement, I had two 6 month rotations. I got different projects and objectives for both these rotations, which really helped me gain a breadth of engineering knowledge on plant. A typical day would include: 1. Meeting the team for briefings 2. Liaising and working with other engineers on plant, i.e mechanical and civil 3. Working with contractors outside British Steel to help complete my project 4. Making engineering standard drawings 5. Brainstorming and designing systems 6. Repairing and maintaining crucial equipment on plant 7. Commissioning equipment on plant 8. Training and development Therefore, a wide variety of things to get involved in which kept me busy at all times.

I was given a lot of freedom and responsibility with my projects. My manager gave me the chance to brainstorm and think about what I want to do with my project, so that I could have the most input , but then he was always there to guide and support me whenever needed. I was given a substantial amount of decision making power within my projects, so I could make a call and then see how my decision has influenced my project.

I can confidently say that the practical knowledge that I have gained on this placement will not only help me on my degree but also in my day to day life. I learnt everything from cabling, wiring, and carrying installs according to industry standards to designing safety related control systems. My manager was a Chartered Engineer and understood the importance of training the next generation of engineers and therefore all the objectives I was given and projects I worked on met UK-SPEC, which means that it's an entire year worth of work experience that can be counted towards my charteredship. Also, team building and training activities held by HR such as leadership and presentation skills helped me build soft skills which are really important in every company.

A very positive and friendly atmosphere, everyone always ready to support and encourage learning.

It was very organised, I started out knowing where I was going to be based within British Steel and what projects I was going to be involved in. Due to this, I had a very smooth transition into work. Additionally, all my one-to-one meetings with my manager and training events with HR were organised well in advance and there was never any confusion regarding anything.

All my objectives met UK-SPEC, therefore that's an entire year of work experience that can be counted towards my charteredship. Additionally, HR held many different team building activities such as adrenaline, which was a day out with all other interns and grads where we completed an obstacle course. In addition to this, we had job specific training, safety training and several different skills workshops.

Good!

Yes, all the graduates and interns would regularly meet for night outs, we would have barbecues and sometimes just go for pool. So there was a good chance to socialise and make new friends as well

My placement was in Scunthorpe, and my cost of living was really low and generally things were not that expensive.

Good!

There are several different activities you can get involved in outside work. Such as STEM events, day outs and events such as Industrial Cadets which help you make an impact outside of work as well.