There’s no experience like work experience - especially when it’s built into your degree.
Engineering students at Hull are given the opportunity to extend their academic studies by spending a year in industry.
If you are on the BEng course your placement will take place between your second and third year. Those on the MEng course spend a year in industry between the third and fourth year of their degree.
Jaguar Land Rover
You could be working for some of the biggest employers in the country in a graduate level role. Companies such as RB (formerly Reckitt Benckiser), Phillips 66, Airbus, Virgin Media, IBM, Xerox, BMW Group, Jaguar, Land Rover, Siemens, Microsoft, Howdens and Smith & Nephew.
The value of a year in industry cannot be underestimated.
You’ll gain valuable experience in the workplace and make contacts who could help you throughout your career. You’ll develop industry-specific knowledge and skills, as well as transferable skills, such as team working and communication, which are highly valued by employers and could help to set you apart when applying for your first job. It could also set you on the path to your first job after university.
Many of our students come back with a job offer having made a good impression during their placement year, or get fast-tracked through the initial stages of the recruitment process.
Case Study: Tom Russon's Year in Industry
Mechanical Engineering student Tom Russon got the chance to spend his placement year at Howdens Joinery in East Yorkshire. Howdens is listed on the FTSE 250, with a turnover of more than £1.5bn.
Employer Q&A
What do employers look for in an engineering placement student?
Richard Falkingham, Head of Engineering and Manufacturing Development at Howdens, offers advice and tips for a successful year in industry.
Tom Russon
MEng in Mechanical Engineering
There is no question in my mind that it’s worth doing a placement. I can say I’ve done projects, I’ve given presentations to other people, I’ve conducted training, I’ve done health and safety courses. All of these things that I can put on my CV (so) when I come out of uni and I’m looking for a job, they’ll set me apart from everyone else.”
Support
Our placements team is here to help you every step of the way.
We run workshops to help you find a placement that is right for you and your degree. We’ll help you prepare for those exciting but sometimes daunting first few weeks at work.
Tom Russon during his year in industry
We’ll keep in touch with you throughout your placement to make sure everything is on track and you are getting the experience you need.
You’ll be allocated a dedicated placement tutor who will visit you at your place of work and support you with the academic work you need to do while on placement. You’ll also be able to take advantage of the extensive information, advice and guidance on offer from the university’s careers service.
Careers & Employability at Hull
Interested in studying Mechanical Engineering?