Electronic Engineer Review

The Siemens site manufacturers turbines and associated machinery. I was situated in the electronics and turbine control department, which made and put together the electronic components for the machinery and circuitry. The specific department was quite small, with ~5 people, but this meant that everyone was an expert in what they did. I was responsible for helping to put together very specific portions of circuit boards, and programming their functions.

I learnt all about real-world electronics, much more than I had in school, and programming systems. In addition, I was taught about the engineering of electronics, turbine systems, and motherboard programming in an industrial setting/scenario. They gave me extensive on-the-job in-depth health and safety training, which resulted in a certificate.

The programme was fantastic; it was sufficiently basic, and well-explained, that I could keep up with everything that was going on, with just my GCSE work as a basis. However, it was also challenging enough to keep it interesting, whilst also ensuring that I didn't feel like I was inconveniencing any of the full-time employees. Everyone was incredibly friendly and helpful. Overall, it far exceeded my expectations.

Considering my age at the time, and the fact that I was there for work experience (as opposed to full time labour), everyone was very welcoming and helpful. I was introduced to all aspects of work and procedures thoroughly and quickly. They allowed me to move between jobs, which gave me a full sense of each aspect of electronics and turbine-manufacture. My supervisors also commended my work, and were very attentive and receptive to giving me extra responsibilities. I felt like a valued employee whilst there.

There was extensive information provided about training, timetables, and day-to-day working before I even arrived, which made everything feel a lot less stressful than it may have otherwise been. The induction was comprehensive, and included full health and safety training. Although, most of the training was done on-the-job. I had daily meetings and progress reports with my supervisors. Tasks were delegated on the day.

I felt completely supported through-out the entire experience, but not to the point of feeling constricted, or suffocated. Anytime I had any problems, the supervisors were there to help, no matter of how busy they were. They seemed very enthusiastic about teaching and training me, which I had not expected. I felt like I was given sufficient responsibility, without feeling overwhelmed or like I could not ask for help.

Since almost all of the training was carried out on-the-job, my supervisors were directly responsible for my training, and task delegation. This greatly helped in me feeling like part of the team and completely supported, whilst having sufficient responsibilities and work to do. It also meant that I always had access to support, whenever I required help or guidance.

This was an unpaid work placement whilst at school. I lived at home for its duration, and got a lift in with my parents, who worked nearby. I was provided with lunch tokens for the canteen whilst working, although also had the option of bringing in a packed lunch and snacks. I had unlimited access to free drinks for the duration. Overall, I incurred no personal costs for the placement.

Due to my age, and the length of the placement, I was not made aware of any external social events, or similar. When I wasn't working, I would be at home, doing my normal after-school activities, or similar. This placement constituted one of the voluntary and outreach initiatives that they take part in/ arrange.

Yes

It is a very inclusive environment, which provides excellent training and opportunities to engage in actual work.

Show a genuine enthusiasm for the work, and you'll sail right through. If you're not sure about something, or would rather engage in other work, just say. They are completely supportive, and will admire that you spoke up