Placement Process Engineer Review

Item: Placement Process Engineer at JN Bentley
Rating: 4.7
Author: Anonymous

at JN Bentley

Placement (10 Months+)

Chemical Engineering

Manchester

Review Submitted: September 2026

Overall Rating

4.7 /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!

5/5 - Overview of Role

4.8/5 - Skills Development

4/5 - Support and Guidance

4.8/5 - Company Culture

5/5 - Overall Experience

5/5 - Future Career Prospects

Overview of Role

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

I'm a placement process engineer with the MMB Process Engineering team, assisting the delivery of wastewater treatment projects for United Utilities. My role involves providing technical support to process engineers through data analysis, process modelling, performance assessments and site-based investigations.

Were you given much responsibility during your placement / internship?

Yes. Although i work under the guidance of experienced engineers, i have been given responsibility for managing and delivering several pieces of technical work independently. This includes analysing large datasets, developing excel based analysis tools, producing technical summaries and presenting findings to engineers for review. I have been trusted to coordinate suppliers and internal stakeholders, organise meetings and undertake site visits to support project work. The level of responsibility has increased as i have become more familiar with the role, while still having access to support and mentoring when required.

Please rate how meaningful the work you were doing was

5/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills, or developed your existing skills?

Yes, I've learnt a variety of new skills during my placement, including advanced excel data analysis, process modelling and data visualisation. I have also developed professional skills such as communication, stakeholder engagement, meeting coordination and presenting technical information. Site visits have also improved my understanding of the wastewater industry and the heath and safety requirements.

How would you rate the training provided during your experience?

4/5

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

5/5

Support and Guidance

How much support and guidance did you receive during your placement / internship?

I have received excellent support from my line manager and the wider process team. They have been available to questions, provide feedback and help me develop new skills, whilst also giving me enough independence to take ownership of my work and build confidence in my abilities.

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?

4/5

Company Culture

What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?

The company culture is supportive, professional and collaborative. I was invited to socials and team events almost immediately, which helped me to settle in quickly and feel like part of the company rather than just a placement student. Through these events I've built strong friendships with other graduates and apprentices from different disciplines. Not only has this made the placement more enjoyable but also helped me learn about different areas of the business and develop a wider network.

How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?

5/5

How would you rate the social opportunities?

5/5

How would you rate the diversity initiatives?

5/5

How would you rate the charity, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives?

4/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy your placement / internship?

I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement so far. The transition from university to a full-time 9-to-5 role was initially a significant adjustment, but I quickly settled in thanks to the support of my colleagues and the variety of work available. One of the most rewarding aspects has been the opportunity to get out on site and visit wastewater treatment works, as this has allowed me to see how the engineering principles I study at university are applied in practice. I have also enjoyed being welcomed into the team from the start, including being invited to socials and building strong friendships with other placement students, graduates, and apprentices across different disciplines. Overall, the placement has been both professionally rewarding and personally enjoyable.

Please rate your level of enjoyment on your placement / internship

5/5

Please rate how your experience met your expectations

5/5

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend JN Bentley to a friend?

Yes

What advice would you give to others applying to JN Bentley

My advice would be to be proactive and make the most out of every opportunity. Don't be afraid to volunteer for tasks, or express an interest in different projects, as people are genuinely willing to help you and support you thought your placement. If possible, i would also take every opportunity to get out on site. While office-based work is significantly important, visiting treatment works provides you with knowledge on how projects are delivered in practice. Site visits allow you to engage directly with commissioning engineers, plant leads and operational staff, many of whom are keen to share their experience and knowledge. They also help you to develop a wider understanding of the project, beyond your immediate role.
Finally, making an effort to get involved in the social side of the company. I found that attending socials and networking with graduates and other new starters helped me to settle in quicker, build my confidence and develop friendships across different disciplines.