Industrial placement student profiles
Andy Aston
Automotive Engineering MEng
Quality and Reliability Engineer, General Motors
I spent my placement year working for General Motors in Bedfordshire, based within their quality offices as part of the Warranty Team. The role was very varied and I rarely found myself sitting at my desk as it required me to get on the production line and get hands-on.
In this role, no two days were the same. Warranty data is collected daily, with the aim to “fix” one problem a day. The data is also analysed and is used to show and predict recurring problems which need more attention. It was much like being a detective, using engineering knowledge to work back through the problem to reach the root cause.
The placement experience has given me an appreciation of design issues from a customer point of view and has supplemented knowledge gained from my University course in areas such as data analysis, risk assessment and automotive manufacturing.
Craig Best
Automotive Engineering BEng
Technical Analyst, Secured By Design Ltd (SBD)
I am currently on placement with Secured by Design in Northamptonshire working as a Technical Analyst. SBD specialise in vehicle security systems such as locking mechanisms, engine immobilisers, alarm systems and Smart Key technology.
Being an undergraduate student at SBD is unlike many other industrial placements in that you are integrated into your department as a fully fledged engineer. The work I am involved in is of high importance to the company; whether it is writing general reports for customers, conducting technical research specific to a client, or being part of internal projects to help promote the company and solidify its reputation in the industry.
Doing a placement has been a great opportunity to get first-hand experience of the work I can expect to do as a graduate engineer and to gain industry recognition by advertising my abilities in any work I undertake for clients. When I graduate I will look to utilise some of the contacts made during my placement to develop my career and ultimately achieve Chartered Engineer status.
Robert Blackmun
Aeronautical Engineering MEng
Airbus
I was based at Airbus in Bristol for my placement year. The job involved carrying out stress and structures analysis, working on projects involving composite and metallic laminate structures and material testing.
I learnt a lot from my placement, including time and project management, use of FEM/FEA software, teamwork and presentation skills.
I also had plenty of opportunities to get involved with the community through Airbus, including tutoring at schools and charity work. I even took part in a 5.5mile charity run for Airbus too! The course prepares you well for the placement and I was often asked by colleagues how to use equations or how to solve problems as I had the information fresh in my head from Uni!