Investigate: Before my visit I found out this about the company

Engineers and Manufacturers diesel engines and related parts and systems. Service and repair diesel engines and systems is a global manufacturing company with HQ in Columbus Indiana USA Cummins employs over 30,000 staff in 160 countries. They employ over 5000 in the UK and Darlington is one of the larges sites with over 1000 staff.

Observe: While at the company I job shadowed an Employee. This is what happened:

• Employee Name:
• Job Role:

The main thing that I would take away from this experience and advice others on is it is extremely important to have the basic computer skills. A lot of time is spent at the computer planning and communicating via email spreadsheets are used on a daily basis and everything is computer controlled i.e. test cells.

Interview: I talked with a member of staff to find out more about their role. This is what I found out:

• Employee Name:
• Job Role:
• Pathway from school to their current position:
  During my time at Cummins I was able to talk to a number of staff they employed a number of graduate engineers who start their work placement when finishing university. Cummins Engines take a number of students on work placements in their year out from university. These students then have a good chance of securing a position on leaving university. Cummins are also very keen to take on apprentices. I spoke to two employees who came from this route.
• Where do they see themselves in the future:
  

Participate: I took part in a work related activity. This is what happened:

• Description of task:
  Activities set by Cummins mainly included site tours and discussions with staff.
  
  
• Notes:
  

Imagine: From the perspective of a student the advice I would give is:

Companies are looking for employees that are hardworking enthusiastic and adaptable. They must have good communication skills and be able to work in teams. Students need to be made aware of how what they are learning in schools is preparation for the future. Having had this experience I feel I will now be able to relate what I am teaching to industry and provide students with examples. Students must consider what their next step is going to be and decide, with advice, what the best route for them is whether students decide on an Apprenticeships or university there are opportunities within engineering.

Summarise: The things I have found beneficial from the day(s) in the work environment are: