Manufacturing Engineer - General Assembly Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement. Through the variety of tasks and projects I had, I was able to fufil my requirements of both office based and practical work experience in the industry.

I became an integral part of the team, with responsibility over processes in the entire manufacturing plant. My colleagues all felt confident in my abilities.

A fantastic level of support was given throughout. Reviews and reflections about the placement were held three times a year, and the mentoring program provides more than adequate support and guidancein the job role.

I had multiple projects on, each with set weekly deadlines. With development in project management skills and time keeping I was comfortable with my work load.

I was made responsible for 2 major processes that were integral to the quality certification of the plant. I became the authority on certian operations and processes, and was relied upon.

Essential project management skills were developed to apply to university projects, as well as measureable improvements in time keeping. Knowledge of the industry and manufacturing plays well into future modules at university. I also had the opportunity to develop my CAD skills in designing new jigs and fixtures for manufacture. Furthermore, my final year project is industry based with the knowledge gained on placement being intergral to its completion.

The office in General Assembly hosues Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Assurance and APS team. The variety of characters in the office meant that the atmosphere was never dull.

The "handover" period, informing the new undergraduates of the job role, was well organised. The company manages the placement scheme extremely well, with dedicated staff seeing through the process. The integration into the job role is such that the placement runs itself,

Funding was available for me to go on company trips abroad. I was put through several training programmes that not only helped me improve at Vauxhall but also made me more employable as a graduate engineer.

The opportunity is available for graduate employment, and graduate intake is predominantly from the undergraduate scheme. Roughly 2-3 graduates every 2 years are hired.

With 16 undergraduates at the Luton plant, there was a busy social schedule.

Luton is a fairly cheap place to live, with Vauxhall providing affordable housing lists for undergraduates, including a 10 bedroom mansion for reasonable rent. Luton town centre is a cheap night out in comparison to surrounding areas (St. Albans, London etc).

With the University of Bedfordshire nearby, there are many bars that have student nights and drinks deals. There are a couple of clubs in Luton with many pubs and bars.

Through personal organisation, a number of social activities were arranged throughout the year.