Trainee mechanical engineer Review

Trainee mechanical engineer within the engineering development side of the business. Part of the consultancy part of the business so day to day activities vary a lot depending on what project you are working on at the time, all projects I have done are in groups so there is a lot of interaction between other members of the team.

Have done various courses for training to go onto nuclear power plants as well as learning a lot more hands on skills which often aren't taught at university. All work done so far has been in teams so teaches good team work skills as well as getting a better understanding of how to interact with our team as well as clients.

The consultancy business means that the work varies a lot which for me is a good thing as it means day to day jobs aren't doing the same thing over and over again. This does also mean that you could be put on a project that you don't find interesting but another, completely different once may come along which is much better. Have been sent to Hartlepool Nuclear power station twice and found this very interesting to see what we do in action

I do feel valued by Amec Foster Wheeler, recognition was given after returning from site and have completed a few other projects/ tasks in which I received praise after it

It isn't that well structured but all the necessary support and help is there when needed and it seems to have naturally worked out so that I have been given a variation in work and know who to report to for projects as well as any problems I am having in the workplace

My advisor gives support when I go and ask for it and is very helpful

My line manager is very supportive and have been assigned a mentor who is very good when it comes to any problems I have, in general people around the office are very happy to help me with any problems anyway

My salary seems very competitive compared to other placement years

There is a club within work that organise regular activates, there are work football teams as well as local gyms that people attend together

Yes

Very good experience on a range of different projects so can develop many different sides to my engineering skills, as well as teamwork skills. They don't just see me as a placement year student, I was allowed to do the same level of work as everyone else and am, given similar responsibilities to other people working on projects.

I had a fairly relaxed interview where I was mainly asked to show my general engineering thinking as well as the fact that I would be able to work in teams well