My T-Level Placement at Integral Engineering Design
21 November 2024
“This placement is much more than just an academic exercise”
As a T-Level engineering student, I was beyond thrilled when I secured my placement at Integral Engineering Design, a structural engineering firm renowned for its innovative projects and dynamic approach to construction challenges. My time here is more than just an opportunity to learn about what goes into designing a structure, but a place where I can build my confidence, apply my classroom knowledge and develop my current knowledge further and in far greater detail.
I am a very nervous person, not one to talk to others and just keep my head down. I have been known to be a perfectionist with everything I do whether it’s in class, my job or any activity, and if I cannot get it right I tend to keep going until it is. I go to the gym daily which helped with my confidence, but nothing compared to how Integral have.
From my first day, I felt welcomed with everyone being so friendly and inviting. It began with my supervisors showing me their projects and what they do to give me a general idea of what happens at Integral. I was set tasks that involved me in what the engineers themselves have to do, and I was given my own project to design and develop as I learnt new things. This development started by learning all the basics and designing a simple structure which was later reviewed by my supervisors. They treated it as though it were a live project and pointed out what I needed to change and how I do it to meet their standards.
Challenges arose from the change in the level of detail I needed to apply and I was struggling to understand certain parts of a structure. I found myself constantly asking for assistance on different components from my supervisors, but each time they were more than happy to help and explain. I found though, as time went on and I improved my knowledge and how different materials behave, I was able to create a design that I was proud of and one that my supervisors were very happy with.
This challenge really put into perspective how difficult this field of engineering is and how much detail and work goes into creating a design. It has shown me how much trial and error is involved and how significant communication is in such a collaborative environment. This has taught me the importance of soft skills like teamwork and adaptability and will all help me to develop both in my placement and outside of work. Working alongside the team and observing how they collaborate with architects, contractors, and other engineers has opened my eyes to the complexity and interconnectedness of structural projects. Each discussion brought new insights, and every challenge pushed me to think critically and adapt to evolving project needs.
This placement is much more than just an academic exercise. It is giving me hands-on experience, building my confidence, and deepening my passion for structural engineering. I am excited to continue learning and, one day, contribute my own innovations to the industry.
For anyone considering a T Level in Engineering: placements like this offer a glimpse of what your future could hold, providing a chance to test your skills and grow in ways you never imagined. Take every opportunity, embrace every challenge, and know that each experience shapes you into the engineer you want to become.
Callum, T-Level placement student
