{ The Final Stretch }

A Recap of Engineering Practise Preparation (EPP)

After six weeks, my journey with Engineering Practise Preparation (EPP) studied at the University Of Technology Sydney (UTS), has come to an end. Throughout the past week, I have assessed and submitted feedback to my peers for a second time on their e-portfolio, I have received constructive feedback on my e-portfolio, and I have been finalising my e-portfolio to include all the necessary information required to showcase my abilities and to reach a standard of high excellence.

EPP has not only assisted in educating/preparing me for an internship or work in the real world, but it has also given me the opportunity to learn and improve vital skills that are a necessity when it comes to working with groups. From these skillsets, various methodologies can be utilised to ensure these skills are being applied positively and effectively. For example, the sandwich model. This feedback technique is something that I have taken on board. The way the model is broken down by providing positive feedback, followed by constructive feedback, and finalised with positive feedback, is something I believe is an effective way to provide feedback. I applied this methodology towards my peers in week four and week six when I had to assess their e-portfolios. By doing this, it generated a safe and positive atmosphere, and it allowed for everything to run efficiently.

After completing EPP, I believe I have successfully completed the subject learning objectives. The first learning objective focuses on the student’s ability to articulate preparedness for participating in an engineering workplace. By completing group work activities, assessing and providing feedback with my peers, and focusing on the appropriate ways to provide feedback to group members, I am confident that I can demonstrate this objective.

The second objective focused on a student’s ability to document and communicate their capabilities to contribute to a workplace and engage in workplace learning. I have successfully met this objective by providing written feedback to my peers on their work, voicing my opinion on various class topics, asking questions, and actively listening to my fellow group members/class members on their personal opinion towards multiple topics.

To guarantee that I have met these two objectives, I have taken it upon myself to create three primary goals that I would like to fulfil when I begin my internship/job, and these include:

• Shadow, an engineer, to gain insight on what I should be doing on a day to day basis and to see what level of expectation I am to meet
• Ask as many questions as I can to become comfortable in the surrounding environment and to gain clarity on the projects being developed
• Partake in a lot of group activities/industry events to assist in my development from a novice to a senior engineer.

Upon reflection, EPP has successfully implemented various topics and questions that have assisted me in the development of new skills that are required in the workforce. By assessing my peers, I have been able to improve my feedback skillset, and I have learnt new methodologies which can be applied when providing feedback. With this, I feel confident that I have met the subject learning objectives and that I am ready to work as an engineer in the industry.