Work experience placement Review

I did enjoy the week that I spent at AEC because it was an environment that I had not previously experienced in any way, but even if that hadn't been the case it would have been interesting anyway. There is a wide range of activities that go on and therefore the week was very varied. Sometimes I would be not always have something to do, but generally it was enjoyable.

I felt that I was quite valued despite my lack of skills because I did a lot of tasks that my supervisors had set for me. The tasks were admittedly quite simple, but they still had to be done by somebody so I felt like it was worthwhile me being there for them.

I received a lot of guidance and support, all of my questions were answered and I had full training in whatever activities I was doing. I never felt unsure of what to do which is all there is to know I suppose.

I think it confirmed for me that I wanted to go into engineering and it was a very good insight as to what the aerospace sector would be like to work in. The help was more career focused than academical, which is more valuable because it's harder to come by.

The insight was fully planned out for me before I arrived, which meant that I always knew what I'd be doing. The only thing I would say is that sometimes I would do the tasks quite quickly and then not have something to do for a while, but generally it was good.

Most of the people I met seemed fairly relaxed and freindly, and were happy to help. At the time when I was there there was a big deadline coming up which created tension I think, but that probably reflects most work envirnments.

I received no formal training at all, but I did receive suitable instruction for everything and had 2 days of CAD instruction from one of the specialised CAD operators. This has actually helped me a lot at university.

I was only there for a week, but I think that I had a reasonable insight into what it would be like to work in the engineering industry, particularly the aerospace sector. I think that someone could judge if that environment was for them in that amount of time.

To me it seemed as though the employees knew their responsibilities and were generally patient, however there was a big deadline coming up and I think this stressed the employees slightly.

It was very valuable to me in confirming that I wanted to be an engineer, and created an interest in the aerospace sector. It was also very good for finding what job roles I liked because I did little bit of everything during the week.

It had been arranged as an unpaid work experience week, and there were no specific costs for which I could have been reimbursed. The cost of commuting was not covered.

I had a tour of the facility on the first day where I was able to meet members of all the engineering departments, but they were only brief introductions so I wasn't really able to get much out of them.

I was only there for a short time so it is difficult to say, but I didn't hear about any networking or social activities that were going on at the time.

I was only there for a short time so it is difficult to say, but I didn't hear about any outside activities that were going on at the time. I am quite young so it is possible that there were some activities that were not suitable for me to participate in.

I would recommend the insight to anyone who is considering a career in engineering, as it is a valuable experience on which you can base your career choice. Everyone that I met was patient and understanding, and the week was well thought out and enjoyable.