Year In Industry (Mechanical Engineering) Review
at Network Rail
Placement (10 Months+)
Mechanical Engineering
York
Review Submitted: July 2026
Overall Rating
4.2 /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
4.8/5
-
Skills Development
4.5/5
-
Support and Guidance
3.8/5
-
Company Culture
4/5
-
Overall Experience
4/5
-
Future Career Prospects
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis.
The Mechanical Engineering Year in Industry placement provides practical experience supporting the maintenance, improvement, and management of critical railway infrastructure. The role involves applying engineering principles to real-world challenges, contributing to the safe and reliable operation of the railway while developing technical, analytical, and professional skills.
Placement students work alongside experienced engineers on a range of projects involving asset management, infrastructure engineering, maintenance planning, risk assessment, performance improvement, and engineering assurance. The programme offers exposure to multiple engineering disciplines and provides opportunities to manage responsibilities independently while working within multidisciplinary teams.
Placement students work alongside experienced engineers on a range of projects involving asset management, infrastructure engineering, maintenance planning, risk assessment, performance improvement, and engineering assurance. The programme offers exposure to multiple engineering disciplines and provides opportunities to manage responsibilities independently while working within multidisciplinary teams.
Were you given much responsibility during your placement / internship?
Yes
Please rate how meaningful the work you were doing was
4/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills, or developed your existing skills?
Yes
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
5/5
How would you rate your development of industry-specific skills during the experience?
5/5
How would you rate your development of personal / soft skills during the experience?
5/5
Please rate how these skills have helped you in your career development
4/5
Support and Guidance
How much support and guidance did you receive during your placement / internship?
I received a lot of support and guidance during my placement.
How would you rate the support and guidance from your line manager?
4/5
How would you rate the support and guidance from the wider team?
5/5
Company Culture
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
The company culture and general atmosphere was very friendly and like minded. Everyone helps each other out, making it a very inclusive and enjoyable place to work.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the social opportunities?
3/5
How would you rate the diversity initiatives?
4/5
How would you rate the charity, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives?
3/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy your placement / internship?
Very much
Please rate your level of enjoyment on your placement / internship
4/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
4/5
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Network Rail to a friend?
Yes
What advice would you give to others applying to Network Rail
Don't be afraid of not knowing anything about the rail industry as it is very supportive workplace. Everyone is willing to help and you will learn so much throughout the year.
Future Career Prospects
Please rate the future employment prospects at Network Rail
4/5
Did you receive an offer to return as a graduate?
Waiting to hear
