Kaden Trueman

My work placement at Ricardo

I am a student at the University of Surrey, undertaking a BEng degree in aerospace engineering.

I undertook a year-long role supporting daily test operations in the Vehicle Emissions Research Centre (VERC) at Ricardo. Over the year I developed a wide range of transferable skills from data handling and processing to communication and project management skills.

In addition to supporting testing in the VERC, I’ve also been involved directly with delivering two client projects and managing their testing logistics. Thank you to the calibration team at Ricardo for trusting me with this opportunity, and for continually helping me gain a deeper understanding of the vital work they do.

During my placement, I also had the opportunity to plan and run three different science, engineering, technology and maths (STEM) events: an aero event, a buoyancy event, and a careers fair. It was great working alongside all the other placement students and graduates at these events, and I hope Ricardo continues its involvement in inspiring the next generation of young engineers through events like these.

Overall, I had a really great time over the year, met a lot of new people, been involved with a wide range of tasks and responsibilities, and learnt a lot of new things! Thank you to everyone at Ricardo for having me. I’m back off to the University of Surrey to complete the final year of my BEng degree in Aerospace Engineering, so hopefully I can apply all that I’ve learnt, from what has been a great placement year!