Trainee Engineer Review

This was my third summer placement with Morgan Sindall. I was based at Heathrow working on a project which involved reburbishing part of the taxiway for the southern runway. It was good to gain an insight into the logistical issues associated with working at an airport and how we as a contractor deal with them. I also enjoyed seeing a project evolve through it's whole lifecycle. I hadn't worked on an aviation project before so some of the engineering was quite new to me, this made the experience more interesting and enjyable.

I always felt valued and appreciated by my colleagues. Even though I was much younger than the majority of the workforce they all treated me with complete respect. If I did well in a task my mentor would congratulate me which was a good feeling.

The engineer I worked with let me know when i had performed well and always offered me guidance even when I didn't ask for it. He as well as the rest of my colleagues would always answer any questions I had and offer me advice.

There were times when I was very busy and also times when I was not so. The later however was more towards the end of my pacement when the project was coming to and end, even though there wasn't much to do engineering wise it was benefically to witness the procedures that are carried out up to handover day. Generally though I was kept busy which was good because it not only meant I learnt more but taught me to think for myself.

As I became more involved in my placement I gained more responsibility. I was trusted to carry out important tasks on my own which allwowed me to learn quickly and gain confidence in my own ability. For example I was given the job of surveying the runway levels during asphat planing which were needed to calculate the volume of material removed so it could be costed up.

As I'm going into my last year at universiy I will need to complete a dissertation. I have the opportunity to relate my dissertation to what I learnt on my placement. This would give me a big head start and also provide invaluable first hand experience and knowledge.

There was a friendly and positive vibe within the site offices. This made things easier because I felt everyone was more approachable and could offer me help if I needed it. The office was open planned which I think is always a good idea. The subcontractors were merged in with us which gave a very transparent and inclusive feel.

Before I arrived I was given information to prepare me. This included a document telling me about the company, their aims and visions, the projects they're involved in and much more. I was also given a point of contact (project manager) with someone on the project which meant I could ask them any questions I had before my arrival. When I started I was quickly given all the resources I required and didn't have to go chasing anybody. The specific project I was assigned to was chosen in advance to suit me i.e. provide me with the most experience and allow me to get the most out of my experience.

If there were any specific training courses I wished to take part in the company offered to pay for them. For example at Heathrow you require an air-side driving pass to be able to drive on the site, this requires you to take an additional driving test, the company offered to pay for this for me even though I decided not to do it in the end. The company signed me up to a training agreement which means that they are required to assist me in developing my career.

The company have already given me confidence that there is a strong possiblity of working for them in the future. This was my third placement with them so that in itself shows their confidence in me. I would be excited to work for them because they are involved in such a range of diverse and interesting civil engineering projects with a friendly and collarborative workforce. The company also offers a very respectable starting salary for graduate engineers with additional perks.

Yes, very much so. The company actually arranged a day just for the students, which they do regularly. The location of the event was at one of their high profile crossrail projects which made the day even more enjoyable. We were given the opportunity to socialise with the other students on placements with the company and allow us to share our experiences, this was very helpful! We were able to discuss similar problems which we made of had and feel reassured. It was also a chance for the company to talk to us all and let us know what to expect in terms of the future.

I was working at Heathrow and I was living in London. I actually managed to live with family friends but if that hadn't of been possible to company has it's own houses which are avaiable to rent. London is obviously very expensive and so it's best to live outside and commute in. If you are over a certain distance away from work the company will offer to pay for petrol. Socialising in London an also be expensive but like any city there are places where it is cheaper. Also Heathrow it outside central london.

The nightlife in London is of course is very appealing. There is lots of choice and a great atmosphere. It pretty much speaks for itself. I feel as though it really is what you want to make of it, but all the possibilities are there! I thouroughly enjoyed the free time I had during my placement, either at weekends or in the evenings.

The company actually arranges a weekly footall session at a location less than 10 minutes from the site. This is a great way of socialising with work colleagues outside of work and also encourages networking. Of course the exercise is also very beneficial! There is obviously the chance of carrying out your own personal activities as well. I felt as though I had time to do things that I wanted to do however I think it's something that really depends on the individual and good time management.