Joe Chappell
- Course
- Chemical Engineering BEng
- Subject area
- Chemical Engineering
I chose to undertake a placement during my degree to build my experience, using transferable workplace skills to supplement my academic studies. I hoped to use the experience to broaden my skillset and improve my employability, while getting an understanding of where I would like to further my career.
My placement was at the Ministry of Defence working for the Royal Air Force Centre of Aerospace Medicine in the Noise and Vibration Division (NVD) at RAF Henlow.
My job role was an Undergraduate Acoustic Technician. This role is to assist the laboratory manager and contribute to noise and vibration surveys, data processing and to assist in reports for NVD.
The role developed in 2nd term of the placement due to the work I was producing and increasing responsibilities I held, which resulted in me being an independent project manager which is the equivalent to a graduate acoustic consultant level.
During my time on placement, I gained valuable experience working in real, safety critical situations, gathering data with a small survey team. I learned how to effectively work with the team members to conduct efficient work during high stress, fast paced, hazardous environments. I will be able to take this experience back to the final year of my degree course and beyond into any further employment.
The highlight of my placement was being able to step up to a project manager regarding the assessment of dangerous levels of alarm noises onboard a RAF propeller fixed wing aircraft.
I subsequently was able to produce full technical reports distributed throughout the RAF. Another highlight was being able to gain time in-flight onboard multiple RAF rotary and fixed wing aircraft.
The opportunities I was given on placement have allowed me to become far more confident in presenting materials to others, as well as talking to other industry professionals. It has also furthered my time management skills, due to multiple projects with varying deadlines.
Having now worked in a safety orientated role in the aerospace field, it provided a large insight to the field it has provided a general direction of where I wish to further my career.
Following graduation, I hope to continue onto an engineering graduate scheme potentially in process safety, which I have now gained experience in throughout my placement and my degree course.
I also aim to work towards chartership having gained experience of writing reports in line with IChemE requirements during my placement.
The advice I would give to anyone going on placement is to go into the job with an open mind and take every opportunity you can. Give 100% effort while at work as you will get out what you put in.