Deffinately do a placement year I was so glad I got mine and it's a great company but maybe a little too far away for you as it is in Portsmouth, though I would reccomend applying.
The phoning and trying to get hold of the line manager is a good idea, emailing will often just get sent to HR who won't do you any favours.
Just try to get hold of people on the phone and get your CV to the right people first save any work for your interview. The guy who interviews my replacements was amazed at how no one brought exhisting work, you don't need much just a couple of good examples. They don't expect you to be perfect as they will teach you most you need to learn. It is more the attitude and initiative they are looking for.
Anything else you want to ask let me know, iv been doing a job which sounds like what your after. Lots of 3d cad aswell as testing and prototype work. For R&D at Pall europe.
