Industry-Based Learning - Benefits

As a part of my 4th year I have undertaken Industrial Based Learning (IBL). I’m employed at Caterpillar for a year as a member of their Service Engineering team. IBL has given me the opportunity to experience first hand the role of a Mechanical Engineer. As part of the team I have responsibilities to which I must attend which gives me an understanding of what will be needed and expected of me as a graduated Engineer. I have had experience in:

• Suppling dealers with technical information
• Investigating product problems

I feel the experience is worthwhile and valuable for future employment.

I work in the Airbag Test Lab at Autoliv, which involves testing airbags to ensure they comply with safety standards. My group has won the Autoliv Production System audit 2 months running, from which I have gained a sense of achievement. I have investigated the quality and effectiveness of airbags in cars through conducting tests and analyzing the results. I am enjoying the opportunity to be challenged and apply my learning to real work.

Wow - what an absolutely amazing place to learn about engineering! Great people, great setting, unbelievable experience! I've had the opportunity to work all over the yard, designing, organizing and constructing everything from lifting devices to safety structures and vacuum cleaners. The responsibility given in this job is very eye opening - I had people coming to me with problems... I just had to figure out how to solve them!

Traveling overseas has really opened up a new world to me. It has been a terrific experience, both from a personal and academic perspective. Atkins is one of the largest civil engineering consultancy firms in the U.K. Its good to be able to compare the theoretical side of engineering you get taught at University to the practical side that you can experience in IBL. Being close to the European continent makes for great holidays too.

I've had an incredible opportunity to see inside one of the oldest and biggest car manufacturers in the world" I've played an active role within the Engine Design team, holding design and project management responsibility for a number of engine components. This year has easily been the most challenging and rewarding of my academic life.

My work has involved assisting with the development and implementation of new quality management apparatus in the electronics assembly. It has been fascinating to watch devices develop from an idea to a sketch, through the early prototype stages, to release as a product. These six months have given me a real appreciation of the challenges of quality management in mass production.

Working at Rockwell has been a fantastic learning experience that has expanded my knowledge and interest in my field. Rockwell is one of the most dominant companies in their industry, and I have had the opportunity to work with and learn from many experienced engineers. Being able to apply my knowledge to real work has been an exciting experience!

I work in the Highways and Transportation Section, which is responsible for designing, improving and maintaining highways and highway structures in North Western England. During my experience I've learnt how to make myself heard and to express any ideas I have confidently - as innovative thinking is a valuable asset. Working in England has been a fulfilling experience, which has allowed me to further myself as an engineer.

I have learnt a lot about myself and what drives me, but more importantly where I can improve my professional skills. I've had the opportunity to work with - and drive - Ford's latest prototype vehicles. I am surrounded by professionals who are more than willing to teach all that they can.

IBL overseas has been an invaluable opportunity for me, being an amazing learning experience both academically and personally. I have worked on several exciting advanced engineering projects and have had the opportunity to learn a great deal about the Japanese way of conducting business and about all of the facets of the operation at Autoliv Izumi through being involved in business trips around Japan, seminars and training courses. I have worked in a variety of roles ranging from design and CAD modelling to assembly, production control and testing.

It has been a fascinating insight into the Australian Automotive industry, where I have been able to put my engineering knowledge into practice, and continue learning at the same time. I’ve worked on many projects from car assembly, design and testing to customer focus activities It has been highly satisfying to manage projects to completion in a motivated team environment.