Manufacturing Engineering Graduate Review

I'm a manufacturing engineering graduate on a two year graduate scheme. Within this time I rotate around placements that can be 3-6months long. This allowed me to explore many different teams within the business as well as different functions and therefore give me an holistic view of the business and a much clearer idea of the Job I would like to have and where I would best be suited to at the end of the scheme. In my current placement I work within Manufacturing Technology and work on implementing new technologies into the business to improve the way in which we manufacture. I support the larger projects of my manager and wider team, however I am also given the responsibility to deliver my own projects.

During my time on the scheme I have developed my confidence, leadership and management skills. I have also greatly improved my understanding of manufacturing processes, as well as learn about lean, 5S and Six Sigma. Finally I have developed an understanding of internal business processes, commercial constraints and technical sign off responsibilities.

I very much enjoy the programme because the structured placements have given me the opportunity to explore the areas of the business that truly interest me and have allowed me figure out exactly what Job I would like. The company also provide you with lots of opportunities and give you the responsibility to make a difference.

My programme is very well structured with placements and mandatory training packages put in place to support the development of the graduates. We have specific early careers managers to look after our day to day activities and well being, whilst we have dedicated skills coaches who ensure that we are successfully progressing with our Post Graduate Diplomas.

We receive a lot of support from our employee and are subject to a lot of working rules to ensure our safe guarding whilst working in the business. This includes restricting working more than the contracted 37 hours or any working from home. There is also a large training budget to support any extra development we wish to partake in.

We have a dedicated skills coach to guide us through the post graduate diploma as well as a multitude of lecturers and support staff at cranfield university itself. On top of this we are also supported to take on any extra training which is relavent to our job role and there is a considerable training budget associated to this.

It proves me with a understanding of different engineering concepts from project management through to manufacturing assembly lines. I don't think that many of the modules help me to perform any better in my role but it does give me a wider appreciation of other aspects of the business that interlink with the work that I do

There is one professional networking event which is the graduate workshop and a self organised graduate ball. However I think this could be greatly improved and that there is a wasted opportunity to allow the graduates from around the UK to better network whilst on this scheme. There are also no sports team to get involved in.

Yes

Because you are really well looked after, given lots of opportunities to thrive and to forge a career for yourself. Graduates are given a good level of responsibility and are valued by the senior leadership teams. Also there are fantastic opportunities for graduates to move around the country and even globally.

To bring a lot of enthusiasm, energy and a questioning attitude. As a graduate you will have very little experience but you can bring value by bringing in new perspectives and fresh ways of thinking. Don't be afraid to ask silly questions and try to learn as much as you can from the people around you.