Nuclear Technology Summer Placement Review

My work was highly enjoyable. This focused around simulating reactor conditions from first principles in many cases and help solve complex problems within the control systems of the plants. The fact my colleagues were flexible with the project also allowed for my own specific interests to be accommodated in some aspects of the project.

I was included in a wide range of training, activities and social events inside and outside of work. When they needed help at work due to high work load I was able to assist them wherever necessary. There is generally a strong sense of inclusion on EDF Energy sites despite in some cases the large demographic differences.

My supervisor and line manager gave a great amount of support in terms of the strategic decisions with which I was sometimes faced. I was also set up on the company system quickly. I also had an IMechE mentor within the company who assisted in the production of a quaterly report - time which I can claim towards chartership once I end.

As my placement was also my Nuclear MSc project I was very busy. However the universities requirements were highly respected by my line manager and supervisor. I was certainly never short of work and if I needed something to progress work my line manager and supervisor were more than happy to help.

As my work was verification of nuclear safety related simulations and reactor behaviour I had a large amount of responsibility. I did not feel however that it was too much responsibility I think the balance was very good and the experience ce of my colleagues allowed to judge and help propose a very good project for my time with the company.

During my placement I learnt how nuclear plant faults can be simulated with special attention to decay heat removal following the fault. The skills acquired in analysing control systems and running nuclear thermal hydraulics codes are highly beneficial within the nuclear industry. overall it gave myself a real appreciation of just how complicated the plants actually are.

The atmosphere in the office in the office was professional yet friendly. Colleagues were very wiling to help with matters and it was sufficiently quiet to facilitate the high level of concentration which is needed when carrying out nuclear engineering calculations which are important for nuclear safety. There was a good amount of students / graduates within the company which certainly helped socially.

The placement was set up perfectly to meet the demands of a Nuclear Engineering MSc project. The on-boarding process which for nuclear companies is quite a hurdle was managed proactively and intelligently which ensured I spent most of the placement doing productive work as apposed to waiting for security clearance.

I was trained for access to control area on nuclear plants, nuclear theory and specific nuclear thermal hydraulic codes used in the industry. This represents significant expenditure and time resource from the company which I was very grateful for. EDF training is known for being first rate no matter what role one enters the company in.

Very appealing. EDF are leading way with nuclear new build in the UK. I am now working as a graduate within the company. Completing a placement really helped understand the technology and company before I joined which has been so beneficial for career planning and making the most of the graduate scheme.

The social scene was good between the final year summer placement students. There was also good social links between the graduate intake the placement, apprentices and the summer placement students. There were plenty of opportunities to become involved with a wide range of activities at the sports and social club too.

I was based within Gloucester - so compared to London and and the south east it felt a bargain, compared to up north it was expensive to live. Cheltenham was certainly more expensive to live however the amenities and night life were certainly better than Gloucester. Therefore most students chose to live in Cheltenham and compute the distance.

The night life in Gloucester was mixed. The quays offered a fantastic setting for a meal / shopping and social drinking. The city centre of Gloucester was less appealing to graduate folk. Cheltenham has excellent cultural venues and night life and this is one of the main reasons students at EDF choose to live there.

The Barnwood office has an excellent sports and social club which includes sports facilities and tool hire. In addition there were quite a few events held at the office by the young generation network and professional engineering instituions such as the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Nuclear institute. There also many activities to get involved with in the local area.