Erin's Q&A

Meet Erin – Seta Apprentice

Erin is undertaking a Level 3 Health and Safety Apprenticeship with Seta, and she has jumped straight into her training at specialist ship repair, conversion and fabrication services company A&P Tyne, where she has some strong family ties!

Part of the leading global marine specialist APCL Group, A&P Tyne is based on the River Tyne in South Tyneside and operates the largest commercial dry dock on the East Coast of England. 

So, what’s Erin’s story?

Let’s find out!

What inspired you to take up an apprenticeship over other routes such as college or sixth form?

I knew that classroom learning wasn’t the right path for me, I learn in a more practical way. My initial thoughts when I left school was to apply for a cadetship with the Merchant Navy but my dad, who was employed by A&P Tyne, inspired me to look into a Seta apprenticeship. I knew A&P Tyne was a great company to work for as my dad, my granddad and my great grandfather had all worked as welders here.

How has your apprenticeship helped you develop?

It’s been amazing so far! I’ve been given the opportunity to learn from the people around me and ask questions along the way. The balance between the support of my colleagues and the tutors at Seta, and the sense of responsibility and independence - which I wouldn’t have got at college or sixth form - has been ideal.

What has been the most surprising aspect of your apprenticeship?

I’ve learned a lot of skills that I didn’t know I needed for the role. Communication is key when it comes to my health and safety role: learning how to converse with different people and at different levels within the company has been a major part of my job.

There’s also a lot of responsibility that comes with being a health and safety officer. I need to know that what I’m saying is correct and is being communicated effectively to my colleagues, as their safety is my priority.

I’ve also discovered that the things I learn at work, I bring into my personal life too,like hazard identification! It’s something that I can’t switch off and am constantly aware of, even in my home life.

What have you enjoyed most about your apprenticeship so far?

One of my favourite parts has been working on the vessels we’ve had in the dock and seeing the components that make up a ship. It’s something I’ve always been interested in and being able to climb down into the tank to do gas testing using the A&P Tyne machinery was really special!

I’ve also been given the opportunity to climb the 100-tonne crane that we have in the yard which I never thought I’d have a chance to do. I was able to see the whole A&P Tyne operation from up there – it’s been my biggest achievement so far.

Where do you see your career leading you in the future?

I would like to work up the ranks at A&P Tyne, maybe even to become a senior officer whose role is to be the main contact for health and safety in the business. With the knowledge and skills I am gaining here I could even branch off into other areas of the business. The vast nature of the company means that many doors are open to me. I know that, with the grounding I have from Seta and A&P Tyne, I will continue to grow and improve in my career.

What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?

I would say, “find something you like”. Make sure you do your research into the courses available, the aspects of the role and see what interests you. Everyone is different and not every apprenticeship is going to be for you but if you find something that suits you then go for it! There’s nothing that can hold you back and there is always something new to learn in a Seta apprenticeship.

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