Industrial Trainee Review

My role involved producing Geotechnical and geo-environmental reports and desk studies on various projects such as flood alleviation schemes, nature park restorations and waste disposal facilities. Often I would spend time reviewing internal and external resources which will then be formatted and typed up into these reports and reviewed. This involved looking at contamination, geotechnical appraisals and producing a final risk register which summarises the hazards for this particular site.

I have developed my report writing skills and how to fully optimise software such as Bluebeam, word and excel. I have also learned various digital skills such as the use of ArcGIS Pro, gINT and Leapfrog. These have helped to produce appropriate and professional figures for use by clients. I also have discovered various useful websites to review geological and geotechnical conditions observed from previous research and how to properly apply it to my work.

I was given lots of responsibility. Most often I would be given a task and I would make a start on it based on previous examples of work similar to what I am supposed to be doing. I would work on this until I get to something I don't understand and it would be thoroughly explained by a member of my team and all work would be reviewed so it reaches the company standard.

Throughout my time, I was also given a lot of support. There is a Moodle page dedicated to developing skills and learning new things, so this was useful when I was starting on the placement. I also had a great team around me that were always a quick chat, message or call away from helping me with my work. They would always sit down with me and go through anything I didn't understand.

Everyone on the team made an effort to introduce themselves when I arrived and I was always offered help by anyone that I asked. The atmosphere at the job was very relaxed but focused and everyone was friendly.

The placement has been very enjoyable and rewarding. I have enjoyed most things I have worked and it has helped me to develop skills for my final year of University. I have enjoyed working in a team of like-minded people who are interested in similar things to me.

Yes

When you apply make sure you include soft skills as well as academical and work skills. It is important to show that you are capable of working with others well and not just having the technical skills to work here.