Undergraduate Engineer Review

Item: Undergraduate Engineer at Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology
Rating: 3.9
Author: Anonymous

at Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology

Degree Apprenticeship

Engineering

Malmesbury

Review Submitted: January 2021

Overall Rating

3.9 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

4/5 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

3.6/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

4/5

I have worked on various projects including simulations, testing, design and build across various categories. I have worked on early stage design, research roles as well as some insight into manufacture. I am responsible for my own projects and have regular meetings with team members and my line manager.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

4/5

Everyone starts off with a varied experience and in your final 2 years you are able to tailor your experience and choose a team. Compared to a traditional university degree the learning on the job has been the most useful part, the degree is free and you get paid. The Dyson culture is very relaxed and the people are friendly. The Dyson Institute put on lots of social events and the gym onsite is free.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

I came not knowing much about engineering applications, just the core maths and physics at school. I have learnt programming in MATLAB and python, CAD and simulation software such as ANSYS in both the degree and on the job. The workplace is particularly helpful with developing and solidifying these skills. I have also learnt soft skills, including engaging with senior stakeholders and managing projects.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

3/5

As the first year on the degree, everything has been decided as we went along, which allowed us to help tailor the course but also had its challenges. The course is purely academic so there are no taught design modules and it can be a challenge to fit in university work alongside work in your team and a social life.
The academic and wellbeing support from the Dyson Institute is great and like no other.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

I have great support from my work team, with a line manager and mentors in the team too. We also get amazing support from the Dyson Institute team with any problems, inside and outside of work.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

2/5

The support from Warwick is poor, which is understandable seeing as they are 2 hours offsite. There is access to an online library only, so the Dyson Institute have a small library onsite. There has been no contact with a tutor from Warwick but it has not been necessary, again because there was help from Dyson onsite and in person.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

3/5

The qualification received, like any other university degree is very general and much more is learnt and developed on the job. Theories are learnt over a small period of time and forgotten about soon after but if anything is necessary then notes are good enough as a basis for learning.

Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

5/5

There are lots of opportunities for social events through both Dyson and the Dyson Institute. Dyson have a gym onsite and lots of clubs you can join. The Dyson Institute have a student social team who help put on events and there is a yearly formal and ski trip.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology to a friend?

Yes

Why?

The opportunities have been endless and this experience is unlike any other. The learning experience on the job is much more useful than the lectures and to get a degree and be paid for it is great!