Supply chain Review

by Caterpillar

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

3.7/5
  • The Role
    4.3
  • The Company
    2.9
  • The Culture
    4.0

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
  • I have very much enjoyed my time at Caterpillar. It has offered an insight into heavy industry that would have likely been restricted with other firms. While many of the day to day tasks can become repetitive there are enough challenges and opportunities to grow throughout. I would recommend CAT to anyone, regardless of whether they want to pursue a career in this industry after.

    4/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
  • Overall I felt valued by my colleagues and peers. Unfortunately, as in any job, there will be individuals that treat you differently due to factors such as your age, background, ect..... This does not detract from the experience as most allow you the responsibility to take on many of the more important tasks alone, while offering support if needed.

    5/5

  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
  • 5/5

  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
  • I am very busy day to day. Once imbedded and confident in the role I was given more tasks and this has continued throughout. Sometimes, as the placement, you may have to pick up more mandate data entry tasks but I believe that to be pat and parcel and starting any new job.

    5/5

  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
  • Being one of the smaller CAT sites the level of responsibility is much greater then you might expect due to certain staff limitations. But it allows for greater development as it is mostly a case of being dropped in the deep end. This should not put you off as the relevant support is there if needed.

    4/5

  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • It would have to be fairly limited in terms of my degree. However, my professional development has progressed massively as the responsibility you're given here is second to none. The CAT group as a whole provides plenty of online training from engine basics to Microsoft office, this is not only useful for the role but overall development.

    4/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
  • Good, everyone is for the most part upbeat and up for a chat regarding work or not as they understand the power of a positive working environment. Obviously there are times where things are more serious but overall people are always happy to help or at the very least point you in the right direction.

    5/5

  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
  • 3/5

  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • 3/5

  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
  • 3/5

  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
  • 3/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
  • No, being a small plant we had a placement intake of just 6 people, with 3 living at home. This can be restrictive at times if you're living away from home. However, a lot of the older staff are up for going out as long as you have them home by a reasonable hour.

    3/5

  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
  • Very reasonable. I lived in a flat about a mile away with another placement with a good sized kitchen/living room and two decent sized bedrooms with a parking space and this set us back £300 each a month plus bills. Bars and clubs are mostly at the going rates but you're a bit strapped for cash there are a few Weatherspoon's around. Once paid £13 for 2 games of bowling, so not all good unfortunately.

    4/5

  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
  • It is exactly what you would expect from a small rural town. The nightlife is mainly made up of bars turned nightclubs. It is a good laugh to go out, but you won't at any point think you're in Ibiza by mistake. Bigger cities are within range but this will end in an expensive taxi, hotel, or the first train home.

    5/5

  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
  • Opportunities outside of work were good for the size of the plant. We had a kick around every week which was a good chance to integrate with staff you wouldn't talk to on a day to day basis. There were also several curry nights accompanied with a pub crawl which was always good.

    5/5

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Details

Placement (10 Months+)

West Midlands

May 2019


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