Undergraduate Engineer Review

We work 3 days a week as engineers in teams on the Dyson site then study 2 days a week. Over the years we rotate between different areas of engineering and different stages of the production process to get a full overview of how a product is created and how the company works. This also takes you through different types of working such as office work and practical work in the labs. The degree is a bachelor's in engineering from a well respected university.

The range of engineering knowledge imparted by the academic teaching is massive and covers mechanics, electronics and software. The technical skills that I have picked up in the workplace reinforce the academic learning and are transferrable. They exceed anything that could be taught at university. I have also developed many soft skills from working in teams.

I greatly enjoy the program, there are so many opportunities across the company for engineering as well as other professional development. The workplace teams are always very welcoming and is great to see so many different areas of engineering and different levels within the company The institute are supportive in helping you with managing your time but there can still be stressful periods.

The program has an excellent induction week which eases you into the work of work and study as well as allowing you to meet your fellow undergraduates. The course is full on with good time management needed to balance the work and study but if this is managed well, the benefits from it are numerous, The program is still in its early stages so the organisation is improving all the time and the Student Support Advisors give you all the help you need.

The Dyson Institute workplace team are enthusiastic and keen to ensure you are thriving in the teams you are in. The line managers and mentors are there to help ensure your development as they essentially volunteer to take on undergraduates. The rotations are organised well to allow you to experience many different areas of the company.

There is a good amount of support from a wellbeing side from the student support team. The workplace is also very supportive if you need time for apprenticeship logging or if you want to further your learning in other areas. The Dyson Institute academic team is growing and are becoming more helpful especially as the degree develops.

I think the apprenticeship professional development training and skills really help in the workplace, communication with the team and doing presentations. The degree qualification is not always applicable to the work you are doing at the time but overall the content of the degree is beneficial in the workplace. I feel like I have learnt a lot about the industry from this course.

There are many extra-curricular activities. There are sports clubs within the Institute as well as wider Dyson. The Dyson Institute has a student social team that has a budget and a variety of drinking and non-drinking social activities are provided all year round. There are also social buses every two weeks to cities for nightlife. If a more constant social life is preferred then after first year there is the option to move out to Bristol. There are also many professional development opportunities within the Institute and the business

Yes

I would recommend the Dyson Institute to a friend if they are passionate about engineering because there are so many opportunities offered and being able to reinforce your learning with practical experience is so valuable in my opinion. The staff are enthusiastic and helpful and the social opportunities are varied especially compared to other degree apprenticeships that I've seen.

The advice I would give anyone applying to the Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology is to just show your passion for engineering and they are not just looking for the most academically strong. Also to be honest about who you are. You will only really enjoy the course if it is right for you so the application process is there to ensure you will get the best out of it. I think the interview process is worth it alone as it is a great learning experience.