Engineering Intern

Recovering unserviceable engine hardware on 'live' engines moving through the shop to reduce cost of shop visit. This involved reporting conditions and compiling repair documents. Longer term projects involved reducing scrap rates of low cost parts and tooling/fixture design.

Technical understanding of how an aero gas turbine operates has improved dramatically. Witnessed common defects on engine hardware and what could have caused them. Learnt about the repair and measurement techniques used within aviation. Appreciation of the commercial relationship between engine manufacturer and customers. Role also strongly developed my soft skills, particularly communicating with a wide range of people - other engineers around the world and shop floor aircraft engineers.

Probably the most beneficial part of the internship was the responsibility interns have on site - the site would probably not run without interns. You have a good level of responsibility where you can make your own calls/decisions but mistakes won't lead to large ramifications for the business. - I was representing my team at a couple of important weekly meetings.

You will have a mentor and have regular catch up meetings with them. I found the whole team ( and wider site) very supportive and would go to certain individuals depending on the advice I was after. However, I think who your mentor is can impact your experience over the year.

General atmosphere was negative due to covid which was understandable. For arguably the worlds largest engineering company, I thought the engineers were not treated well and paid very uncompetitively compared to other roles on site (probably due to nature of MRO site). Pay also uncompetitive compared to other engineering companies.

I enjoyed it a lot, being able to go onto the shop floor and see engines every day made the role very fulfilling and was just cool. My team were very welcoming and supportive. I developed a huge amount both technically and professionally, I don't think there would be many other internships that are better for personal development. Some stressful times due to pressure to deliver engines on time.

Yes

Great place to learn. Working in a maintenance environment is very different to the design route uni pushes you down, it's not for everyone but even if it's not the route you take in the future the year will give you great experience.