I really enjoyed my placement for a year. I had so much to do. I learnt everything from scratch. Gave me new opportunities, got my experiences especially in the career I want to succeed in.
I loved my colleagues. My work was working with the whole site and with people across other Collins sites, I made really good friends with my main colleagues in the IT field, they literally were like my “dad and grandfather” I really valued them and I’m still in touch with them.
I was given a lot of support in what I wanted to do, in terms of if I came up with ideas I would be able to progress and proceed with them to take action and put them in place. I was also given a lot of support of guidance when it came to online training, on-site training and where I could progress.
I would never really have not nothing to do. It would be busy on some days and have some quite periods, however each day was different. I wouldn’t expect coming into work to do the same thing.
I was given a lot of responsibility, in terms of dealing with tasks, even running tasks and showcasing my presenting skills when a new software was deployed to the whole site. I had the responsibility to train my colleagues and those around the site.
I developed a range of skills, and everything I had learnt was from scratch. It was a lot in terms of working on a daily job role, so working hours, to be given responsibility. A lot of students think of placement as it not being responsible, as in you will not get as much as responsibility, but it’s not like that. You do get treated like an actual employee..
I loved the general atmosphere. We would have the radio on in the background and just be working.
It was very well organised. The company was very professional.
I was able to attend training sessions and I was given the opportunity to develop in myself so as I say presenting to my colleagues and training the colleagues.
Flexi Time
Subsidised Canteen
Working from home
I would recommend this company a lot for future placements. Everyone is so welcoming and comforting and as I say you can progress and if you work well, there are opportunities to go back and work for them as a graduate.
Yes we had regular times we could meet up and get together outside of work, we had a group chat too, so we could communicate one another.
It varied, in terms of living. There are local transport areas to get to Birmingham city centre, train station is right by. There is a pub right by work. Plenty of time to social.
You would have to go to city centre, but it’s not bad in the sense easy to get too.
Yes, we would get regular emails on this, and then there would be like smoothie challenges, outside football etc.
Placement Year (10 Months+)
Computer and Systems Engineering
West Midlands
September 2019