Civil Engineer Review

I enjoy my placement a lot, although when the work load is little (which isn't often) it can become a bit slow, therefore boring, but due to the people I work with even the boring times are fun! The year has showcased what a career in the field would be like.

My colleagues welcomed me with open arms from the first day. Sitting with me on lunch or helping me find my way around. Now we know each other so well the days fly by. They help me with both work related issues and with personal problems If I need it. when I have queries at work - even really silly ones - they never make me feel stupid or a nuisance for asking.

They help me with both work related issues and with personal problems If I need it. when I have queries at work - even really silly ones - they never make me feel stupid or a nuisance for asking. They give me confidence to do new things and speak up about any ideas I have.

Some days are busier than others, some tasks are more important than others. I do any engineering I can - even if it is just a two peg test to get some levelling done. when engineering tasks are little, I will do other tasks, such as admin roles like filing delivery tickets. I would rather be doing admin jobs than nothing at all.

Some tasks were left solely to me and some I was given a lot of help. Engineering roles I was given some help if needed, whether it be from the site agent or lead hand/op. I never felt that I couldn't ask anyone questions if I was left with a task. admin roles on site I took over full responsibility.

I have learned skills that will be useful in life, even if they aren't engineering orientated. I have learnt real site life skills that I can take back to university to finish my degree and learnt about site life and how different it is than what you learn at University.

General atmosphere on site was also good and welcoming. Even when there was lots of work to do it was never tense or dull. I never feel uncomfortable to speak up in front of others or add my own opinions into work related conversations. I enjoy coming to work everyday.

Well organised directly with me from my line manager. Set up meetings to review my progress every 3 months. Encouraged me to speak to someone if I needed between those meetings and felt comfortable to do so. Could have been better from HR side but not awful and HR often easily contactable if needed.

Put onto courses such as my Clean water card and CSCS card to be able to go onto site. Attended many internal training sessions - such as Commercial training. This made me feel like a permeant member of the team rather than a year placement student. Also did lots of online courses for the company.

Speaking to other people; Likely to get a graduate job with the company. Other employees are very willing to offer advice for my future career whether it be within or outside of the company. My future progression is also discussed with my line manager to help me see where I could go.

As I am site based I don't really interact with other placement students but when I see them at training sessions, we all get on well and discuss our experiences together. I don't feel like I am missing out as I feel like true member of the team so chat and get on well and go out with workers from site.

Cost of living isn't too dear - cheaper than average uni halls. Close to bigger cities so tend to travel there more often. I do mostly go away at weekends, to visit uni friends or go home but I don't avoid staying at the weekends as I feel comfortable here.

As I am close to Manchester the nightlife is great! Closer to site, it is more pubs rather than clubs but that suits me just fine. Often after long days on site I don't want much of a nightlife anyway! I'm happy to sit in and have friends round instead.

Opportunities to attend activities, like a meal or bowling, were always advertised on the daily bulletin email. On site, we organise a few things, like leaving drinks for a member of the team or Christmas drinks. Again, after long days on site you just want a quiet weekend instead of doing lots but the opportunity is there.