Student Placement Civil Engineer Review

I would recommend taking a year in industry placement to any other engineering student at university. I have taken part in summer work placements in the past and I don't believe they are long enough to truly understand the work. I thoroughly enjoyed the work I have been involved in during the year and have learnt an indescribable amount about the construction industry as well as general life skills and improved self confidence. However, I did find the job a struggle for a long time as it was such a vast lifestyle change- working a 10 hour day with a 2 hour commute, in all weather conditions and in a male dominated environment; the experience was very new to me.

For the first half of my placement I mainly shadowed and assisted engineers in their work, and so I did not feel like I contributed much to the project. However I felt more valued as my experience and knowledge grew and I found myself taking on responsibility for tasks, meaning I felt needed by my team.

A meeting was arranged when I arrived to set my objectives for the year with my manager, and another review after six months to discuss my progress. My supervisors were supportive and offered me support and guidance when required. I think a 5 minute monthly review with a supervisor could have improved this.

My daily tasks varied drastically from day to day depending on what work was due to be completed on site, meaning some days I would be incredibly busy and have to miss breaks, and others I would find myself with nothing to do. But generally I felt comfortable with my amount of work and never found myself feeling bored.

I think I was given a very good amount of responsibility by the end of my placement year, which allowed me to thoroughly understand and learn techniques as I was not relying on anyone else- I was responsible therefore I worked hard to ensure my work was correct. However I did occasionally feel out of my depth when it came to high risk work such as managing excavations near services, but if I let my supervisor know then they offered me support as soon as they could.

I feel I have benefitted hugely from the work I've been involved in this year, as it has allowed me to understand how my academic studies relate to my future career. I have developed a strong work ethic from working long days on site and I plan to transfer this to my university studies when I return. It has helped me to build a relationship between my theoretical knowledge and practical construction.

The office was generally quite friendly and loud, but often depended on what work was taking place as this could effect people's moods hugely, meaning some days people were grumpy and sometimes relaxed. A lot of the humour was boisterous and mocking which I found hard to adjust to initially. I think it was an atmosphere to suit men more than women but I learnt to adjust.

I was not told where my placement would be taking place until 2 weeks before I was asked to start, meaning I had no accommodation arranged and hard to ask them to postpone. This was inconvenient for me as it meant I missed the opportunity to live with friends as they had already signed a rent contract. I think this could have been improved.

I was pleased with the level of training I was given during my placement. I was involved in almost all training courses on offer to someone at my level, which helped to broaden my knowledge. I think the company thought it was worth investing as I was there for a substantial length of time (15 months).

Due to a sponsorship scheme I got involved in when I was 18 through the Institute of Civil Engineers, provided I have performed to an acceptable standard during my placements and I receive a 2:1 degree, I should be offered a graduate job at Costain, which I am very much looking forward to and feel lucky to be involved in.

No, there was nothing on offer. Other students kept within their separate teams which meant there was limited opportunity to socialise with each other. My company arranged a Christmas party but other than that there was next to no social events arranged, which I think could have been improved. I plan to arrange an evening out for when I leave.

I lived in my university town for the duration of my placement, meaning I was used to the costs of living and socialising in this area, which I believe are fairly reasonable compared to the rest of the UK but expensive for wales. I grew up in an expensive area of England which meant that moving to Wales was great for my finances.

The area I worked in had no nightlife at all except for pubs, but I lived in a different city and commuted to work everyday so it is hard to comment. Where I was living was really fun and is where all my friends are too, so I always had plans at weekends.

Work didn't offer any other activities to get involved in, and I did not have time to start a hobby during my placement as my hours and commute were both so long. I also had coursework to complete throughout the year, so this and seeing friends and family would take up my weekends.