Name: Louise
University attended: University of Strathclyde
Degree studied: Studied Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautics

Engineering scheme

My first placement was at Fawley Power Station. I was given a really even split between statutory inspection work and running a large contract which shows the responsibility given to graduates right from the word go. After that I was based at Didcot Power Station - I was there for four weeks with operations, which allowed me to see the full shift cycle. I saw everything from the people running the unit from the control room and the people checking the dials and signals out on site, to isolating components to make them safe for work to be carried out. I asked loads of questions about how it worked and what they did. I even got to see a unit "run down" for an emergency repair. It really helped me appreciate what the team do - and gave me so much respect for them.

For the next three months I was based in Engineering at the Head Office in Swindon with the Gas Turbine Team. It was so different going from the power stations to an office! My role was to help create a new tool to calculate and monitor each power station's efficiency. It was absolutely a case of putting theory into practice from everything I'd learned at university.

My final placement was at Aberthaw Power Station where I was involved in a steam turbine retrofit. It was a seriously huge project both in impact and physical size. It meant that there were hundreds of people working on the site. I was working on the CMV pipework inspections, reporting back and instructing remedial works on the pipes that required it. With so many people on site it would be easy to feel swamped, so it was important to build good relationships.

Now I've finished the scheme I'm going to Littlebrook Power Station to take up an Assistant Mechanical Engineer role. I'll be working on the Feed System of the plant, but also helping out with the boiler and turbine. It's a great opportunity because it's a slightly smaller station so I should be able to get more involved in bigger projects.