Engineering Plant Support (EPS) Review

As a member of EPS, I am responsible for resolving any engineering issues that appear on the manufacturing line. The amount of time I have to find the solution varies day to day, some issues need an immediate response, some by the end of the hour and others by the end of the day or even a few days. I am responsible for finding both the short term and long term resolution to engineering problems. As the placement student I am also responsible for an ongoing year long project to reduce MRs in the test cells. Internally, I interact with a lot of different engineering, manufacturing and quality teams as well as the operators on the manufacturing line. Externally, I interact with suppliers that produce parts for us.

In short, YES! A lot, and it was really helpful and constructive. Two weeks into the placement I was already working on an issue that needed to be resolved. I am an advocate for occasional throwing into the deep water type of learning, so this method of getting me right into the work I found effective and I enjoyed. I also had a great team that I could reach out to easily if I did need support, so you wouldn't be alone. As time progressed during my placement, I continued gaining more responsibilities, for example I ended up supervising any apprentices that came into our team for shorter 6 week placements, which helped build confidence in my so far learned skills.

New skills I have learned:
- Software skills (CAD CREO, ANSYS, more advanced Excel, IMS, Windchill, Oracle)
- Technical knowledge about diesel engines, test cells and generator sets
- Understanding and knowledge of corporate structure and roles within them
Skills I developed:
- Time management (especially life - work balance)
- Prioritisation of tasks
- Communication skills (both verbally and by email)
- Presentation skills
- Confidence as a person and as an engineer
- Adaptability in new and time pressing situations
- Critical thinking skills

I'd say I got plenty of support and guidance at the beginning, and as I gained knowledge, experience and skills, I gained more independence. In short, if I need help or guidance I can easily ask for it and the team is more than willing to support, however, I felt confident enough after a few months into the placement to be more independent and make decisions on issues on the line alone or with minimal support from my team.

I'll be honest. When I first imagined working for such a big company, I was anxious and thought it would be very much like a rat race. I was very pleasantly surprised to find that I was wrong. Yes the company is big, however, as I am on site in Daventry and working amongst other engineers and teams, you got to know them very quickly and felt welcome amongst them. I even have made connections in the wider company in the US and India where there are other plants. Additionally, Cummins have set values that they actually adhere to, which in turn makes the employees inclined to adhere to them too. Another great thing I found here was how each employee is required to do a minimum of 4 hours (part of work hours) of volunteering for the community which supports the local areas and people.

I enjoyed it tremendously. I feel like I have been kept busy, that I learned a lot and that I have gained some very valuable experience as well as good connections in industry. The experience of seeing big engines be built on the manufacturing has been fascinating and eye opening for me. I also feel I have developed as a person and as an engineer which I am happy about. I highly recommend this placement or any year in industry to gain valuable skills and knowledge!

Yes