Summer Placement Review

My role as an MEP Summer Placement Student was to rotate among the three disciplines (mech,elect and ph), and learn about their roles and get involved in training or projects. On a day-to-day, my main workload was in mechanical engineering which I enjoyed. I was taught how to do specific tasks to execute independently and receive help whenever needed. I enjoyed the challenge of having to learn new ways to use excel and to push myself to think outside of the box to get work completed for a deadline when involved in projects. In the electrical discipline I've been taught to do markups on pdfs of plans for buildings. I've learned the specific rules and regulations for how the parameters that make up an electrical system are governed and how they should be laid out on a design.

Yes, I was given some tasks related to the ongoing projects. The main project I assisted on was 22 Bishopsgate. I was taught how to complete load benchmark sheets using cooling, heating, electrical and power data given fed from the building, to plot data on a graph for it to be analysed and presented. I also helped with Project Manchester St Annes. I filled in a schedule workbook for air curtain, toilet fans, MVHR and FCU schedules. I referred to the specifications provided by the manufacturers to complete this. I also helped work experience students by sitting in on presentations and giving them feedback to improve or supporting the engineers presenting to students.

The main skill I've developed is my use of Microsoft excel. I've enjoyed having to learn new ways to use the software by using different formulas and commands to simplify complicated tasks. It has stretched the way I use my mind to solve problems and I've enjoyed growing my skills on the application. I've also developed my mechanical and electrical fundamentals as there are applications to the tasks I've been engaged in. I've also found it fascinating how analysing data can help see how application of electrical and mechanical theory directly relates to results in real life projects. New skills I've developed are using softwares like bluebeam and dialux. Bluebeam was used to markup floor plans with electrical components for fire safety or small power for example. I used dialux for training tasks on how to make rooms and calculate light in a space. I also learned how to size and configure ducts to provide ventilation from plants to buildings which made me think a lot as to where different sizes were appropriate in line with requirements and practicality.

I received ample support during my placement. Before undergoing tasks I would have 1 on 1 conversations with the given engineer for the task and they would explain the work at hand. I was taught how to use new softwares that I was unfamiliar with and then given tasks to complete independently to strengthen my skills on my own. I like that I was encouraged to find answers to some queries myself as it helped the skill develop for myself rather than relying on being told. If I was to really hit a roadblock I was always encouraged to ask questions and was helped to find ways around it which I appreciated. My favourite tasks were ones that I was encouraged to do the most I can with limited information and produce a high standard of work. In that scenario I did struggle in some ways and ask for assistance, but once it was clear the task was smooth and straight forward and I learned from the experience. I also benefitted a lot from feedback given. I appreciated the transparency in that if there was anything I need to work on I was told and so that I could carry that into the next task to make sure I'm always improving.

The compnany culture is very friendly at WSP. This is consistent in both offices I've had the opportunity to be in. Everybody is friendly and welcoming. I've made friends in the office that talk to me about projects they are working on and greet me on a daily basis. There are also always people smiling or laughing which contributes to the happy atmosphere in the office which I've really enjoyed.

I've massively enjoyed my experience here at WSP. I've learned a lot of new skills and developed existing ones and appreciated being trusted with responsibilities to perform at a high level for real life projects. The feedback I've received has also given by direction for how to perform better for the long term as well as right now so I'm glad to have had this opportunity. I hope I'll be able to come back for a placement in the future after my second year and would highly recommend this placement for anyone else striving for industry experience in this profession.

Yes