Industrial Operations: Manufacturing Review

My role was very project based so my daily tasks depend on what I was working on and what phase of the project we were in. The main areas of my work involved software development of future VCATS tools. This could involve researching into topics, liaising with relevant stakeholders, planning the development and then actually writing the code to deliver on what we had planned. Reviewing testing and collaboration with team members.

I was given a reasonable amount of responsibility which enabled me to test and build upon my initially small software development skills. Diagnostics as an area is incredibly complex, so even after a year it feels like I have barely scratched the surface on the knowledge required to be a full VCATS engineer. But being entrusted to work in a team on important work helped me develop and grow a deeper understanding of the team and what it does.

The main major skills I have learnt are linked to software development. I have learnt how to develop in Python and C#, and web development with HTML, CSS, JavaScript. My knowledge of manufacturing processes and the complexities involve with production have also grown. Furthermore, my project management skills and planning skills have grew massively throughout my placement, whether it be involving software development or some hardware elated tasks.

The support I got from the lead engineers, especially early on was fantastic. Many tours and guidance through much of the complex areas of VCATS which meant I was constantly learning in my first months. In terms of development goals, it was pretty much entirely down to me to get what I wanted out of the placement, which is good and bad. The team and business is very complex, especially when joining straight from university, so it can be a little daunting knowing what is achievable and what opportunities are available.

The company culture was generally very good. There was a nice focus on development of early careers people from the senior managers in my department (trim and final). I experienced minimal toxicity in the work place and generally a positive attitude towards work. I never once was worried about going into work or suffered while at work.

I am very glad I did my placement as it is an important building block of my future career. It has somewhat helped me learn what sort of things I do and do not enjoy in the workplace but I am still not perfectly clear on where I want my career to go. The team around me was great and I have learnt a lot from them, I have also been able to learn new skills to help me in my future and in my studies. The work itself has been up and down, I have not loved the day to day work and do wish that there were some more opportunities to develop but there have been many enjoyable moments too.

Yes