Blair - Summer internship

Glasgow & Strathclyde Student

What had impressed me most was the structure of the programme. It's rare to find an organisation that puts so much effort into undergraduates, let alone a world leader like Lloyd's Register and the effort, it didn't stop once I was in the door.

Name: Blair  Location: London and Liverpool University: Glasgow & Strathclyde Degree: Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering

2008

"My second summer with Lloyd’s Register saw me swapping the suit and shoes for a boiler suit and work boots, as I’ve been shadowing marine surveyors in the Liverpool office and getting a great insight into the ‘field’ side of Lloyd’s Register.

Much of the work I was involved in took place in the dock yards and it was here I got to see a working boat completely out of the water. At one point, when it rained, the boat doubled as a makeshift meeting area, propped up on wooden piles. Crouching beneath 10,000 tonnes of steel is an experience I doubt I’ll forget! Coming from a naval architectural background it was fascinating to get up close to the vessels, which ranged from tiny tugs to large grain carriers, as it was the first time I’d seen the theory built and in operation.

I also accompanied the surveyors on jobs to witness tests and certify machined products. At first it seemed a bit odd that we were there just to observe. But as it turned out, it was on these jobs that I saw the value of Lloyd’s Register as an independent and trustworthy organisation able to assure both client and supplier.

For the second year with Lloyd’s Register I have met some great people who really wanted me to be part of their team, show me their work and answer my questions. It’s difficult to compare this summer with the last. What I can say about my experience this time round is that it’s given me the chance not only to learn about the industry, but play a hands on role
in it.

It took two months, eight vessels and multiple tanks, engine rooms and dockyards, but I finally got my overalls to a state worthy of a marine professional."

2007

"I had originally joined last year having been impressed by the Lloyd's Register summer sponsorship programme at a university presentation, I sent off an application. That first summer I moved to London for the eight week placement with the Ship Emergency Response Service (SERS) and haven't looked back since.

What had impressed me most was the structure of the programme. It is rare to find an organisation that puts so much effort into undergraduates, let alone a world leader like Lloyd's Register and the effort, it didn't stop once I was in the door. Throughout the summers there has been a constant framework of support and feedback to help me get the most out of my time.

My work with SERS involved working with plans and computer models of vessels, mostly working from plan to model (the opposite direction to anything I have done in the past). I was also analysing data to help update documents, producing client materials and working on computer drafting. On returning to Lloyd's Register on my second summer it has been great to find that my work is still being used by the department, giving a really good sense of pride in my own work.

Working as part of the emergency response team has given me unique experience of a side of naval architecture that you just don't get exposure to at university. Seeing the work you are doing being used and trusted by the people around you is hugely satisfying."