How a placement with Caterpillar inspired Thomas's future

Thomas Phipps, from Telford, wasn't sure what he wanted to do after finishing his A-Levels. Looking for a course that would keep his career options open while offering valuable industry experience, he found exactly what he was looking for at Harper Adams University.

Now coming to the end of his third year studying BSc (Hons) Business Management, Thomas reflects on his time at Harper Adams so far, including how his placement year with Caterpillar has helped shape his future.

We caught up with him to find out more!

He said: “I chose to study Business Management as I knew I wanted to study a business-related course; however, I didn’t want to pigeonhole myself into a specific course like accounting.

“Thus far, the Business Management course has proven to be very enjoyable, and there has been a broad range of modules to learn from.

“The teaching and facilities are very strong. The smaller class sizes give a more personalised feel, and it allows you to feel closer to your lecturers and fellow students.

“The added bonus is the university is so close to my home, so I could save on costs as I didn’t need to move out.”

Designed to bridge the gap between university and the workplace, many Harper Adams courses include a placement year, enabling students to gain practical experience, expand their professional networks and enhance their graduate prospects.

He said: “Harper has one of the best employment rates in comparison to other UK universities, with a real emphasis on the placement year – I saw this as being an incredibly beneficial opportunity.

“I completed my placement year at Caterpillar as a Logistics Technician. I spent 6 months at the CAT Shrewsbury site, where they specialise in remanufacturing engines for tanks, rail, and Land Rover, before moving over to the CAT Desford site.

“I decided to go to Caterpillar for my placement because it’s a big and well-established brand, with competitive placement and graduate opportunities.

“I have absolutely loved my time on placement; I have had some incredible experiences, visited multiple sites across the UK, made so many friends, learnt a massive amount about supply chain and logistics as well as Caterpillar as a company. 

“The teaching at Harper has helped give me an idea of how to apply theory to the workplace. It helped me in getting started on the right foot.

“It’s also helped me develop so much as a person too from a personal perspective."

Looking back on his time at Harper Adams, Thomas says choosing the University has given him opportunities he never expected, from gaining valuable industry experience on placement to finding a clearer direction for his future. 

“My advice to anyone considering Harper Adams University would be to just go for it. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after A-Levels, and I’m so glad I made the decisions I did from that point onwards. Studying at Harper has given me a clearer direction for life after uni. I’m sure it’ll be the perfect university for you too!”