Rebecca Churnside: summer placement student
Rebecca Churnside discusses what she's done on her four summer placements with a contractor - and how they led to a job offer.
Name: Rebecca Churnside
Position: Summer placement student
Employer: Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd
Qualifications: MEng structural engineering with architecture, University of Edinburgh, 2007
I was attracted by the challenge of working in an evolving industry such as construction so I found work at a consultancy during my gap year between school and university. However, I soon realised that I wanted to get my hands dirty and started looking for industrial placements with a contractor. During my first year at university I gained sponsorship after completing an eight-week placement with my current organisation, and I’ve now done four summer placements.
Help with chartership
My placements have involved a wide range of activities including health and safety training, student development and engineering estimating – where you produce an estimate of the cost of building a project from drawings and specifications – as well as sitebased engineering. My organisation has also ensured that my experience has been focused towards completing objectives that will help me to become chartered with a professional institution in the future.
Tangible benefits
I think that work experience placements are rewarding, give a financial boost and complement your theoretical understanding at university. As a result of my placements, I was offered a permanent position with my employer.
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