Safety Performance Industrial Placement Review

I had the most enjoyable, valuable experience on placement and would recommend it to any student who is willing to apply themselves and be part of a fascinating company. I had a range of experiences that I really enjoyed such as courses, site visits, and opportunities to witness the operation in action.

I had a lovely supportive team and great wider department members. Everyone treated you with respect and was great to chat with at various functions. I felt very valued as they made it clear the impact I had had over my year and how what I had done had helped them. I also got the opportunity to participate in high level meetings as I felt a strong sense of trust between me and my employees.

Me and my manager completed regular 121s which meant I could track my progress and set targets for the year. Whenever my workload became excessive (rarely) my manager always helped and supported me. I was always encouraged to go for opportunities and to utilise my skills, which made my year very positive.

Work in our team came in peaks and troughs. Some days were busy with lots to do but some days were quieter, which was useful when completing longer term project work. I found the balance perfect most of the time, and my teammates would always take work off my hands if it became too much, or give me jobs to do if I needed.

This increased over my year, as understandable my knowledge and confidence increased for what I was doing, or talking about. I felt like I was given the appropriate amount of freedom to make my own decisions and run certain meetings or presentations. This was never too much, and if I ever was nervous, my team were supportive to give me a boost.

I learnt invaluable skills, from basic office skills to advanced aviation knowledge. I also developed my Microsoft Excel and Access skills over my year which I have found to be extremely useful. Coming from an aviation course, I will be using the knowledge on a day to day basis, however the placement would still provide great experience to those not on an aviation based course.

The office was friendly (sometimes cold in temperature) and sometimes quiet. It seemed very easy to complete my work as it was not distracting. Hot desking seemed stressful but the student had a permanent desk.

Brilliant. Excellent structure and respect with other employees. I had defined list of objectives each month and had great exposure to other employees so could work with others when necessary.

We completed online training every once in a while. My own personal targets were more targeted to me, which was great to work towards.

We are encouraged to apply for the grad scheme whilst still on placement. We are made aware of internal and external opportunities, however the lack of external vacancies is always a worry. But once you’re in, you’re in.

Monthly trip to the pub and a few socials. The early careers members were brought together every two weeks for a meeting, however worked quite separately. If time is put in to socialise however it is easy to keep in contact. I sometimes think not enough was done to bring us together but I believe this is changing this year.

Lived in Southampton in Swaythling. It was a very student area so not the poshest, but fine for the year. Night life in Southampton is good, and an advantage being a city.

It is a little bit in the middle of no where, but there is a big shopping complex near by so loads of shops, restaurants and cafes, just no clubs or bars (I don’t think).

Moreso with the sports and social club (gym membership) which was something like 30p a month (ridiculously cheap for a pretty good gym!).