--- title: Meet Chris Wells - SKILLcard’s first Industry Placement Card Holder description: Chris Wells, a Placement Mechanical Engineer, has become the first ever SKILLcard Industry Placement card holder, this supports his one-year work placement --- [![Apply Now](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/25215107/93b9f0a6-03d5-4556-83c6-8dedca8a132d.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/25215107/93b9f0a6-03d5-4556-83c6-8dedca8a132d) # Meet Chris Wells - SKILLcard’s first Industry Placement Card Holder Tuesday, August 16, 2022 12:49 PM Chris Wells, a Placement Mechanical Engineer at Waldeck has become the first ever [SKILLcard Industry Placement](https://www.skillcard.org.uk/types-of-skillcard/skillcard-industry-placement-card) card holder, which he obtained to support his one-year work placement. Chris talks about his placement so far, why he would recommend a placement year at Waldeck to other students and how his Heating Engineering and Ventilation Industry Placement SKILLcard has set him on the right pathway for a career in the building engineering services industry ** ** **Hi Chris! Tell us a bit more about what you are studying? **   I am studying general engineering with a mechanical specialism at the University of Sheffield. This means the first two years of my degree gave me an exposure to a range of engineering disciplines, whilst last year and when I return for final year after this placement, my degree solely comprises of mechanical engineering modules alongside my final year project.   **What made you decide to choose Waldeck for your placement?**   As a student from an interdisciplinary degree, I was really attracted to the fact that the mechanical and electrical engineers work so close and collaboratively. My specialism in mechanical and the location of the M&E team in Sheffield seemed like the perfect opportunity. Looking through past projects on the Waldeck website I was excited at the prospect of being involved in similar work should I join and so was delighted when the teams Director, Adam Machan, offered me the position.   **What do you get up to in your role?**   As a Placement Mechanical Engineer, I assist Senior Engineers in the team, completing mechanical calculations and designing the services. So far, I’ve been involved in a range of services’ design - natural gas, heating and cooling, and ventilation as well as some of the electrical services.   **What has been your favourite part so far?**   From day one, I feel like I’ve been involved in work that has direct real-world consequences which is an exciting change from work completed for degree and as such, I’ve really enjoyed getting involved in work from the beginning. The M&E team have been very friendly and helpful in getting me involved in a wide range of tasks and feeling like a valued member of the team.   **What has been the hardest part so far?**   Adjusting to having a regular work routine after three years of being a student and the disruption caused by the pandemic. Having the structure has been refreshing and hopefully something I can keep up next year with my studies.   **What projects have you been working on?**   I completed work for the electrical services involved in the HMP Liverpool refurbishment job when I joined. Since then, I’ve mainly been involved in the mechanical services designing for various school projects we have on the go. Currently, I am working on heating and cooling design for our Laurence Calvert school job.   **Would you recommend a placement and an Industry Placement SKILLcard to other students? If so, why?**   Definitely. I am really enjoying my placement so far and I would strongly recommend Waldeck as a placement host. Applying for my Heating Engineering and Ventilation Industry Placement SKILLcard was a simple process and the SKILLcard team were really helpful. The Waldeck team are friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable and I feel like I’m learning a lot whilst still having a meaningful contribution to the work the team produces Being able to see some concepts I’ve learnt at university in a job-related setting has helped those skills develop further and the placement has also helped my ability to work in a professional manner and be more conscious of my professional development. I think for other students gaining this experience is invaluable and if you have the chance, it’s definitely worth going for it. Find out more about SKILLcard's Industry Placement card [here.](https://www.skillcard.org.uk/types-of-skillcard/skillcard-industry-placement-card) ## Latest News ### [Mass SKILLcard rollout is boost for key professions](https://blog.skillcard.org.uk/news/mass-skillcard-rollout-is-boost-for-key-professions) Monday, September 11, 2023 05:08 PM Thousands of fire sprinkler, local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and commissioning professionals are... ### [SKILLcard changes reflect tightening focus on qualifications](https://blog.skillcard.org.uk/news/skillcard-changes-reflect-tightening-focus-on-qualifications) Friday, June 23, 2023 03:36 PM The way building services SKILLcards are awarded to experienced workers is set to change at the end... ### [SKILLcard backs new health and safety route for professionals](https://blog.skillcard.org.uk/news/skillcard-backs-new-health-and-safety-route-for-professionals) Thursday, December 15, 2022 10:19 AM Building services engineers will be able to use a new online training route to achieve the... ![icon-card](https://blog.skillcard.org.uk/hubfs/Skillcard_April2022/images/icon-card.png) ### [check a card](https://www.skillcard.org.uk/check-a-card) You can check a card using smart technology, online or via our helpdesk. ![CSCS Smart Check App](https://blog.skillcard.org.uk/hubfs/Skillcard_April2022/images/icon-download.png) ### [digital SKILLcard](https://www.skillcard.org.uk/digital-skillcard) Digital SKILLcard is now available for new and renewing cardholders ![Contact us](https://blog.skillcard.org.uk/hubfs/Skillcard_April2022/images/icon-phone.png) ### [contact us](https://www.skillcard.org.uk/contact) Got a question? 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