> What do you mean not their fault? I've seen wrong parts delivered by suppliers, so yes responsibility of an engineer who puts together a circuit is definitely checking that the parts are correct.

A student is far from an engineer.

> Again _never_ the equipment's fault?

The exact words the failed mentor used are not what matters here.

> In my experience this does not get accepted in industry.

This being the entire situation or the actions of the improperly used junior employee? Blaming the non-expert that was refused help is scapegoating.

> Simply saying "it wasn't my fault because I had a wrong part" shouldn't just give you an A.

It should give you more time.