Graduate Development Programme
OC Robotics has recently developed a new Graduate Development Programme (GDP). The programme aims to
ensure that engineers develop a broad range of skills and experience, as well as giving graduates
the opportunity to find out where their talents lie.
The programme has been designed to ensure that all GDP Engineers will have the opportunity to obtain
all the required competences through placements and company projects.
The programme consists of:
-
Two years structured learning and professional development
-
Up to two years further professional development and experience to support the GDP Engineer's
application for Chartered status
OC Robotics is currently applying for accreditation with the IMechE MPDS.
The Graduate Development Programme is not a position in itself but a programme which aims to develop
all graduate employees so that they can become chartered. Anyone applying for an
advertised job or taking part in a
short-term placement will be considered for the programme.
Support and guidance
Each graduate on the programme will be given a mentor who is a Chartered Engineer. The mentor will
ensure that the GDP Engineer's learning is being conducted appropriately and to support the GDP
Engineer throughout the programme.
Placements
During the first two years of the programme, GDP Engineers will undergo structured learning through
conducting placements in the following areas:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electronics
- Programming/Software
- IP management
- Health & Safety
- Human resources
- Sales and marketing
- Customer liaison
- Project management
- Commercial and financial awareness
- Quality management
The placements may be taken in any order. The placements will vary in duration and intensity. Some
placements might be completed in one go, such as through a two-week course or project, but others
may be conducted intermittently over a period of several months, such as through shadowing other
employees once or twice a week for a period.
Placements will be tailored to the individual based on prior experience and degree subject.
GDP Engineers will have the opportunity to add other learning routes or expand placements that they
are particularly interested or adept in. If an engineer joins the company with some prior experience
then they might choose to join the programme at year 2 and choose to complete a selection of
placements where they lack experience to further their experience and skills.
Each placement will aim to develop a specific skill-set relevant to the department and role.
Initial professional development
Throughout the Graduate Development Programme, GDP Engineers will be involved in projects which are
central to the company's line of business. GDP Engineers will be expected to participate in these
projects from an early stage and to help to contribute to OC Robotics' success.
Initially GDP Engineers will be carefully monitored by their supervisor. However, over time the GDP
Engineer will be encouraged to take on more responsibility over work for projects, progressing to
being able to lead and manage projects competently.
These projects will aim to develop the following skills.
- Research skills
- Innovation skills and techniques
- Product design and development
- Technical report writing
- Presentation skills
- Team working
- Time management
- Other department-specific expertise and skills
From an early stage in the programme, GDP Engineers will be encouraged to go on short visits outside
the company to gain wider experience of industry. These visits might be to suppliers, customers,
exhibitions, conferences, seminars etc.
Further professional development
Depending on prior experience, graduates may require up to two years of additional training and
experience to meet the criteria for Chartered Engineer. These two years will consist of other
structured learning tailored to the individual and increasing responsibility over company projects.
The mentor will continue to meet with the GDP Engineer throughout this period to ensure that they
are getting the required learning and experience.
Towards the end of the second phase of the programme (up to two years of further professional
development) GDP Engineers will meet with their mentor to review their experience and ability to
demonstrate the competences determined by the IET or IMechE (as appropriate). GDP Engineers will
create an action plan with their mentor to ensure any unfulfilled competences are satisfied through
additional training or experience.
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