Industrial Placement Student Review

My role was at the interface of technical and operational. It was not lab-based, involving primarily office work. The technical side was data analytical and applying chemical concepts. There were also logistical aspects, process refinement and project management aspects of my work. Often involved engaging and managing multiple stakeholders and supporting large projects either by technical, management or logistical means.

I was given lots of responsibility and always felt trusted by my line manager and most people I worked with.

Hard skills: Developed MS Project, Excel and VBS Editor abilities. Improved familiarity with full MS suite.
Soft skills: Massively grown in confidence and people management skills, presentation of results skills and stakeholder engagement. Improved report writing and professional scribing abilities. Understand how to manage and succeed in career development.
Knowledge: Gained massive amounts of knowledge about Sellafield and the wider nuclear industry, especially detailed around solid nuclear waste (ILW or LLW). Generally not going into deep technical detail however.

My line manager was extremely supportive and very often gave valuable guidance and knowledge. There were multiple other channels for support to utilise if necessary (pathway lead, graduate development, graduate buddy scheme).

I found it to be a very kind workplace, with everyone I interacted with willing to support work when asked and generally be sociable. A graduate council set up socials and events for all placements and graduates which allowed a really good network across the early careers. Relatively relaxed environment too, without excessive pressure or short deadlines. The flip side is that is can sometimes feel sluggish and difficult to force work through.

I really enjoyed it, only drawback can be the isolation of the location at times. Not much to do about that though!

Yes