3m traineeship Review

My role is providing technical support and guidance to the different value streams on site and Implementing continuous improvement on the factory floor. The volume of work that came my way was just the right amount I felt. I always had something to do, whether it be getting on with a longer term project or completing normal day to day activities such as solving problems experienced somewhere in the manufacturing process. I didn't feel swamped with work which was nice as I was still learning about the products and processes along the way. At the end of the day, you can get involved in as little or as much as you want but if you to get the most out of the placement, you really want to be doing something every day which was the case for me!

I developed a whole load of skills during my placement at 3M Loughborough. I saw biggest improvements in my interpersonal and communicational skills through talking to and working with different departments and contractors. These are transferrable skills that are essential to any job so the fact I now have experiences I can talk about in an interview of times when I've showed those skills is great! My technical knowledge also improved as I got a lot more familiar with how the machines used in the manufacturing site works.

I thoroughly enjoyed my Placement working at 3M. I was based in Loughborough working in 3M's Health Care/ DDSD manufacturing site. I got a real good understanding of how a real life manufacturing site operates and got involved with some really interesting projects. Overall I developed a whole range of skills, did some great networking and had loads of fun with social events and that kind of stuff so a very positive experience for me!

I felt very valued by my colleagues. They were very welcoming when I first started my placement and helped me settle in and make a good start to the placement. I can honestly say I don't dislike anybody I work with and everybody's up for a good laugh. They were happy to help with any difficulties I had during my placement and I was happy to return the favour and help them with anything they needed. Overall it was a very nice environment to work in.

My placement was organised well. It was made clear to me at the beginning who everybody was and who I needed to ask to get a tour around the different departments on site. Most training activities and procedures to follow were also made clear which made settling into the placement relatively easy. Some of training sessions could have been organised a bit better but on the whole the placement was well organised.

I received a fair amount of support from my training provider. We had weekly reviews and i was always asked how i was and if i needed any help with my work or if there was anything i did not understand. i was encouraged with all my work and i was always looked after well too.

My supervisor was very approachable and helped decide what projects I got involved in. She had a very open mind about things and provided me with feedback whenever I wanted it. We had one on one meetings fortnightly which we used to discuss any problems I had or discuss any work she wanted me to do. I could contact my supervisor or ask her for help any time and I wasn't restricted to just using the fortnightly meetings which was nice and comforting.

As Loughborough is a university town based in the midlands, socialising events and cost of living is relatively low, especially compared to London. You have the option of living with other students or living with other professionals, all relatively similar in price. My rent was £475 a month (my own flat) and I spent about £50 a week on food.

Yes all social activities were advertised by email, on boards around the canteen area or by word of mouth. I attended many socialising events during my time at 3M including a 'Curry Club' that was running, football team, work Christmas party, colleagues birthdays and other events 3M held such as firework display for Guy Fawkes night.

Yes

3M is a really nice place to work i and all the employees and supervisors are friendly and helpful. the organisation of the place is really good and my programme gave me lots f experience in different departments too and overall it's a top place to work.

I would say to be yourself and don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions. they love people who show enthusiasm and who are interested in the local community and who can get involved in charity work where possible too. just be yourself and show an interest.