Laura's Q&A

Meet Laura – Seta Apprentice

Laura is training as a Level 3 Mechanical Fitter at SMD, an innovative subsea engineering company, which is one of the world's leading manufacturers of remote intervention equipment.

She came to her apprenticeship via a less ‘traditional' route and is passionate about learning and the benefits an apprenticeship offers.

So, what’s Laura’s story?

Let’s find out!

How did you hear about this apprenticeship at Seta?

I’ve known about Seta since school, it was always a case of if you were going to do an apprenticeship, you’d go to Seta!

An apprenticeship was always something I’d wanted to do after finishing school but life got in the way and I didn’t get the opportunity back then. As soon as I had the chance to start one though, I knew Seta would support me in my training.

Just before I applied for the course, I’d been working in the purchasing department at SMD. I had a good understanding of the company and its culture, and knew this apprenticeship was the opportunity for me.

Why did you choose an apprenticeship with SMD?

SMD is just an incredible company! The machines they build and design are unbelievable. Someone I work with gave me a great analogy - It’s almost as though we’re working for Marvel!

Our kit has laid 80% of the world’s communication cables. Living without the internet seems impossible now and it’s great that I’m part of world changing work that keeps everyone connected.

The company is really good to work for. The team actually care about you as an employee.

What are you learning on your course?

On my course, we’re getting a good basic understanding of mechanical, fluid power and electrical fitting.

It’s a really thorough approach as, although I will probably never do any electrical fitting in my future career, it’s important to have an understanding of how the work that I do affects other departments too.

We’re also learning about the importance of safety in the course. We’re working with a lot of machinery and it can be dangerous, but Seta’s training reminds us to take things slowly and re-evaluate anything that doesn’t look quite right. It’s important to take your time and make sure the work you’re doing is safe.

What are the key aspects of your role at SMD?

Anything that SMD is manufacturing, we’ll get the chance to work on.

We fit greasing lines, hydraulic motors..., anything that needs to be assembled basically! We also run harnesses and umbilicals.

How have you found the training at Seta?

What I really love about doing this apprenticeship is the hands-on part of it. Being able to get stuck in and learning how to do the job you’re going to go into is what I enjoy the most.

The tutors are fantastic as well! They have a history with the sector and the work we’re doing. They not only offer the basics that you need to know for a career as a mechanical fitter, and what’s included in the curriculum, but they also have first-hand experiences of the job. That really adds something extra that I can take into the workplace. They give you the extra knowledge they know you will need when you go to work in a company.

What’s life like at SMD?

There are lots of different benefits, from social perks that come with being part of its workforce, to knowing you are a valuable employee as soon as you step on that shop floor.

Where do you think your career will lead?

I’d like to be settled and knowledgeable in my role, and then maybe I’d look to become a team leader.

What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?

I’ve worked since I’ve left school and at 34, completing my training at Seta, I’d say that an apprenticeship is very valuable for your career prospects, whatever it is you want to do. I think you learn how to do the job properly which is great when it comes to setting you up for the future.

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