Eve's Q&A

MEET EVE – SETA APPRENTICE

Eve Wilson, a third year Level 3 Machining Technician apprentice at Rolls-Royce, is making waves in the engineering world.

Recently recognised as a runner-up for Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year at the North East Apprenticeship Awards, Eve is not only excelling in her apprenticeship but also serving as a role model in the industry.

As a dedicated STEM Ambassador, she actively supports STEM events and inspires young women to pursue careers in engineering.

So what’s Eve’s story?

Let’s dive into Eve’s remarkable journey and learn more about her experiences.

Why did you choose an apprenticeship over university?

I wasn’t really into the idea of university because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study and didn’t want to just pick something randomly. An apprenticeship seemed like a much better way to get real experience and start earning right away. Plus, my dad did an engineering apprenticeship, so I knew it was a solid route. I love getting my hands dirty and learning by doing, so it felt like the perfect fit.

How was your experience during the first year of training at Seta?

The first year at Seta was awesome! I got to dive straight into working with machines and didn’t just sit through endless lectures. The mix of hands-on practice and theory kept things interesting. The tutors were great too – they were super supportive and always ready to help if you were stuck on something. They encouraged us to make mistakes and learn from them, rather than just sticking to the textbook. It was a great kickstart to my engineering career.

What was the transition like from Seta to working at Rolls-Royce?

Moving from Seta to Rolls-Royce was a bit of a jump. Going from a smaller setup to such a massive operation was a little overwhelming at first. But all the skills and knowledge I picked up at Seta made it easier to adjust. I went from working with smaller machines to handling huge CNC systems, which was a big change, but I was ready for it.

Can you describe the kind of work you’re doing at Rolls-Royce?

Right now, I’m rotating through different areas of the factory every few months. I’ve worked on all kinds of machines, from manual ones to CNC, and I’m currently doing inspection work. Each rotation brings new challenges, which keeps things exciting. I really enjoy the inspection side because it’s all about ensuring everything is up to scratch and it keeps me busy.

What has your experience been like of working at Rolls-Royce?

Working at Rolls-Royce has been incredible. The facility is impressive, especially how clean and organised everything is. Seeing the high-tech machinery in action and knowing that our work helps build components for aerospace engines is pretty cool. It’s inspiring to see how our work fits into the bigger picture.

I’ve also enjoyed fitting in with the team – despite being one of the few women in the field, I feel included and valued. The work environment is supportive, and the team has made my experience here very positive.

Tell us about your role as a STEM Ambassador.

Being a STEM Ambassador has been really rewarding. I’ve had the chance to take part in and help organise STEM events like the big STEM day where we invited kids and families to see what we do at Rolls-Royce.

I’ve also given talks in schools and participated in outreach activities. It’s amazing to see young students get excited about engineering, especially girls who might not have considered it before. It feels great to be able to inspire the next generation.

What was it like to be recognised as a runner-up for Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year?

I was honestly shocked and thrilled to be a runner-up! I didn’t expect to get that far, so it was a fantastic surprise. It’s a great feeling to have my hard work recognised, and it just makes me want to keep pushing myself even more.

What advice would you give to someone considering an engineering apprenticeship?

Go for it! 100%.

An apprenticeship is a great way to gain hands-on experience while getting paid. It’s a fantastic way to start a career in engineering without the debt that comes with university. If you’re interested in engineering, it’s definitely the way to go.

Why should someone choose Seta for their apprenticeship training?

Seta is fantastic because it combines practical skills with the theory you need. You get to work on real engineering tasks and learn from experienced tutors. It’s a solid foundation that prepares you well for the industry.

Find out how you can start your engineering journey with an apprenticeship and explore opportunities at Seta here.

For more stories from apprentices, click here.

Interested in a career in engineering? Check out our apprenticeship vacancies here.