Meet the Seta apprentices at EGGER – Seta Apprentice

Jack, Zac, Gavin and Olly are undertaking Level 3 Mechanical Maintenance Apprenticeships at EGGER UK’s Hexham site, which produces wood-based products that are supplied to businesses operating in the furniture, interior design and building markets.

The apprentices are embarking on exciting careers at this well-established company, with the support of Seta.

So, what are their stories?

Let’s hear from them...

Why did you choose an apprenticeship in engineering?

Gavin: I always enjoyed the hands-on tasks we had to do in school and then I saw my brother go into engineering, and he loved it!

Olly: I liked helping my dad in the garage with bikes and cars. He always said engineering was the best career choice and wishes he had taken that route, so I’m glad I took that advice from him. I also found that I learn much better actually doing the engineering work myself than trying to imagine it in a classroom.

The training facilities at Seta also imitate a working factory, which means you get your scheduled breaks and you get a taste of factory life whilst still being able to learn.

Zac: It felt like going from school into the workplace is quite a big step up, but it is made easier by doing an apprenticeship first.

What attracted you to apply for an apprenticeship with EGGER?

Zac: Word of mouth! EGGER had some fantastic reviews from family and friends about how they treat their employees.

Olly: I would say the same. Our apprentice manager at EGGER has been very good at staying in contact with us from the start of the course, and it’s nice to have someone from the company we’ll be working for rooting for us and supporting us in our initial training.

Jack: Other benefits like job security and good company values were an added bonus.

What are some of the advantages of learning at Seta?

Olly: The instructors’ experience in the fields they teach in is obvious and they treat you like colleagues rather than kids. You can tell they’ve had hands-on, real world experience.

Jack: Being at Seta also allows you to make mistakes and learn from them and you’re encouraged by tutors to keep trying until you get the job right.

Any surprises?

Jack: Learning about electrical principle is complex and I didn’t expect to study it while doing a mechanical maintenance apprenticeship, but I know that learning these valuable skills now will set me up well in my future career.

Olly: It surprised me how fast you can progress at Seta! After five weeks, you can see a massive difference in how the class has evolved in comparison to the beginning of the course.

What would you say to someone looking to take the apprenticeship route?

Olly: You get to learn in-demand and practical skills from professionals, the course is paid for and you have a job waiting for you at the end.

Gavin: It just makes sense!

Jack: You get paid while you learn too which is a major bonus!

Where do you see your careers going after you finish your apprenticeship?

Olly: At EGGER it’s a job for life. People choose this company knowing that they will stay for a long time and there are loads of progression opportunities within the company.

For more Seta Stories, click here.