Industrial Trainee Vehicle Production Engineer Review

My role is very varied, it involves developing the equipment for the assembly shops in Toyota factories around Europe, currently the Czech Republic. This involves writing specifications, conducting design reviews, following equipment with suppliers and then monitoring trials and installation. I am based in Derby however we spend lots of time in the Czech Republic, therefore the role is highly variable.

I have learned a plethora of new skills, ranging from the soft skills of working in a multi functional and experienced team, to more technical hard skills. I have learned a large amount about pneumatics, electric diagrams, PLC logic and how an assembly shop works overall. Every day I feel I am developing more skills and improving those I have currently.

I enjoy my programme a lot. Given the situation (coronavirus) it has been a very good experience and I have learned a lot. There have been times when I have not enjoyed it, however these are mainly due to circumstances out of our control such as coronavirus. Overall a highly enjoyable programme.

As part of the programme we have had several courses covering health and safety, the PDCA cycle and A3 report writing. This has been beneficial and it has allowed us to have an L&D experience which complements the work within our teams. There could have been more structure to the individual role, however this is something I am trying to implement for the future placement student.

The support I have received has varied, initially there was large amounts of support as I was transitioning from university life and starting the job. However this gradually reduced over time and at this point there is not a huge amount of support, this isn't necessarily a negative as it means I have more responsibility.

This placement is part of my mechanical engineering degree at Loughborough University. For this I have 3 mentor 'visits' and have to write a dissertation at the end of the year. The support has been quite good, however this is obviously difficult due to coronavirus and the restrictions on visitors coming to the workplace.

My qualification helps to structure my role more effectively, as there are certain competencies I have to meet and deadlines I have to achieve. This also helps me to more effectively reflect on my progress. The mentor reviews force me to look back on the progress i have made and then how I will improve going forward.

I feel it would be very hard to answer this question fairly given the fact that my placement has been during the second and third peaks of Coronavirus therefore these activities have been highly limited. I have met up with the other placement students and had catch up sessions organised by the company, however everything else has been limited.

Yes

The structured learning and development course partnered with a role where you have actual responsibility and work within a highly skilled team has helped me to massively improve my skills and abilities. The Toyota culture is very interesting and important within manufacturing and this placement has helped give me a realistic insight as to what being an 'engineer' may consist of in future roles

I would just recommend that they get involved in as many activities within the company as possible and throw themselves into it. The responsibilities etc. may seem daunting at first, however they help to stretch you and help you to develop as a person. Also it is important to talk to people outside your department and build connections up throughout the company.