Chief Executive

Robin joined Seta as CEO in January 2014. He has a real passion for Engineering and Education. Robin's early career was in engineering design and new product development, later setting up a small business that developed bespoke computer aided design software. He has had academic roles at both Durham and Newcastle Universities. At Newcastle University Robin spearheaded the development of their commercial offerings and as Director of Newcastle University Ventures was responsible for setting up a number of University spin-out companies.

Head of Operations

David is an experienced time served Toolmaker who did his own apprentice training with Seta.  He has worked in various Toolrooms and sub contract machine shops including Perlos, Delta precision and Kail.  David originally joined Seta as a training instructor and assessor. He is now the Head of Operations with responsibility for co-ordinating training within the centre. He is also lead internal verifier for Seta’s awarding bodies. David has attained a NEBOSH Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety.

Head of Commercial Training

Geoff is a time served sheet metalworker who became a Technical Salesman with Eutectic Castolin supplying specialist welding Consumables & Equipment progressed through the ranks to regional Manager, moved to Techweld became Sales Director then Managing Director in Weldex as a part of the Express Group then Responsive Engineering over a 20 year career becoming a nationally recognised specialist welding and fabrication specialist, in Oil & Gas, Power Generation, reclamation welding and the welding of Exotic Materials being our USP post the sale of Responsive, worked in A&P Tyne Large Fabrication Work / Ship Repair, then kicked a start-up business off  Jordan Techweld,  moved on to MKW group which evolved the Pryme Group in which I became the Managing Director, vast experience in Sub Contract engineering generally but Fabrication & Welding specifically.

Head of Apprenticeship Engagement

Suzanne joined us in January 2024, with over 20 years’ experience working in Further Education.  Her background is mainly in Employer and Learner Engagement.  She also worked as Careers Lead before gaining Qualified Teacher Status in 2019 and teaching Apprenticeship Standards in Business and Project Management.

Her main focus is to raise the profile of Seta, to attract more applications year on year and to work with the highest quality Employers and Apprentices, as well as promoting careers in Engineering to females and other underrepresented groups, to narrow the gaps in the sector.

Suzanne believes the apprenticeship route – as opposed to the traditional academic one – can be more meaningful, as it equips students with skills for life from day one and she is determined to change perceptions around this.

Head of Funding and Administration

Ashleigh originally joined Seta as an Administration Assistant in 2017, where she completed her Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship. She was then promoted to Funding and Administration Manager at Seta in 2019. She is responsible for accounts, funding, learner management and administration within the company.

Business Development Manager

Apprenticeship Engagement Officer

Nathan joined Seta straight from school as a Business Administration Apprentice supporting the Business Development Team and other areas of the business. He has since got a distinction in Business Administration and has started a Level 4 Sales Executive Apprenticeship and is the main contact for apprentice’s applications. He has a wealth of experience in voluntary roles gained whilst at school including 14 years in the Scouting Association.

Funding and Finance Officer

Eleanor is the first point of contact for our customers and stakeholders, supporting every area of the business. She works closely with the Funding and Administrator Manager to facilitate administration, learner management and purchasing. She joined Seta back in 2019 and is currently undertaking a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship.

Business Development Administrator

Amy started as a Kickstart applicant then progressed onto a Business Administration Apprenticeship mainly supporting the ESF Funded Workforce Skills Project. She also deals with enquiries, bookings and administration regarding commercial courses.

Funding and Quality Compliance Officer

Jodie is the first point of contact for our customers and stakeholders, whether on the phone or in person, supporting every area of the business. She deals with administration, learner management and purchasing. She joined Seta in February 2022 and is currently undertaking a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship.

Technical Support Assistant

Ethan joined Seta in June 2021 on a Kickstart programme following the completion of bachelor’s degree for Computer Science. He has since become the company’s first point of contact for any issues relating to the computer systems within Seta.

Business Development Support Officer

Josh joined Seta straight from Durham Sixth Form Centre as a Business Administration Apprentice supporting the Business Development Team with apprenticeship recruitment and other areas of the business. He joined Seta in September 2022 and is currently undertaking a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship.  

Administrator

Administrator

Apprenticeship Manager

Carl has 23 years of experience in engineering, working in different fields of toolmaking including press tools, injection mould tools, metal spinning tools and sub contract machining. His industry experience includes Grorud Engineering, Perlos/Medifiq, Tanfield Metal Spinners and Precision 2000.

Apprenticeship Manager

Anthony has 40 years’ experience in the engineering industry, serving his time as a sheetmetalworker at Swan Hunter Shipbuilders on the Tyne. Since then he has been involved in manufacturing bespoke stainless steel process equipment for local pharmaceutical companies before moving in to education with South Tyneside College. Anthony joined Rolls-Royce North East Training Centre in 2008 as a NVQ assessor were he gained his Interval Verifiers award and his NEBOSH Certificate qualification for Safety and Health. He has also worked for British Engines and TDR Training in similar roles before joining SETA in 2019  

Apprenticeship Manager

Brian has 40 years’ experience in the engineering industry. Apprentice trained at NEI parsons, Newcastle, assembling and testing of turbine generators throughout the UK.  Brian was also involved with the installation of the press shop in the then new Nissan Factory, Washington. This led to maintenance roles in various automotive factories in the area. After gaining teaching qualifications at Gateshead College, Brian taught vocational courses at Newcastle College alongside his daily Maintenance role. Brian joined SETA 2022 after relocating his previous employers manufacturing facility to new premises in the south of England.

Apprenticeship Manager

Bryan has 25 years experience in Engineering since serving his time as a mechanical fitter at Clarke Chapman in Gateshead, then moving into a range of roles at Yamazaki Mazak machine tools in Worcester, Honda Engineering in Swindon and Hyva UK, for truck mounted hydraulic equipment in the South of England. Joining City of Bristol College in 2008 as engineering NVQ assessor. Moving to Rolls Royce training/TDR training in 2016 for a similar role, before joining SETA in December 2023.

Training Instructor

George has over 20 years experience in the Electronics, Electrical and Instrumentation area.   He has been involved in the design and implementation of the battery powered vehicles control circuits and Honeywell DCS for the petrochemical industry. George has been involved in education and training since 1999 including delivering BTEC courses, Key and Functional Skills as well as being involved in the training of Apprentices. 

Training Instructor

Ryan is an experienced Toolmaker/Machinist. He was at SETA in his first year apprenticeship in 2005. He has worked at many different engineering companies in the north east such as Express Engineering, Penshaw Engineering and Renown Engineering. He also spent two years living in Australia working for Jade Engineering manufacturing parts for the Australian Ministry of Defence and Queensland Rail. He is primarily a CNC machinist bringing in vast experience in both milling and turning.

Training Instructor

Callum is a time served tool maker with experience in the automotive and oil and gas industries. He was also heavily involved in special purpose machine building for global industry leaders . Using engineering knowledge to design and manufacture bespoke jigs and fixtures for various applications. Working within a small team handling complex machining and commissioning operations for a multimillion pound project.

Training Instructor

Maintenance Instructor

Rick is an experienced Electrical Engineer, starting his apprenticeship as an Electrical Fitter in Devonport Royal dockyard and progressing onto setting to work Weapons Systems. Ten years after starting, he left the dockyard to join the Royal Fleet Auxiliary as an Electrical Officer where he stayed for 34 years before retiring as the Head of Department on ships, responsible for all things electrical and electronic on board. Professionally, he is at the highest level being a Chartered Engineer, Chartered Marine Engineer and a Fellow of 3 Institutes.

After a short retirement, he sought fresh challenges and was in the Physics Department of Durham University for a period before leaving to join SETA as an instructor where he can pass on his wealth of knowledge to young engineers at the start of their career.

Maintenance Instructor

Training Instructor

Training Instructor

Training Instructor

HNC Lead/Lecturer

Gary has 40 years’ experience in Engineering as a manufacturing/design engineer. Having initially served his apprenticeship as a toolmaker with Victor Products Wallsend he then moved to the sub contract sector becoming a design engineer specialising in tool, die and general purpose machinery. He has been in education as a lecturer since 2004 previously with TyneMet College delivering BTEC, C&G and EAL qualifications from L1 to L5. He has now joined SETA delivering L3 technical qualifications as well as being Programme Lead for and delivering HNC's.

Lecturer

Phil has over 20 years experience in the electronic servicing and repair field, working in the education, private, and voluntary sectors. In addition he has over 15 years experience in lecturing in a wide range of subjects from City and Guilds, EAL and BTEC etc, from Level 2 up to and including HNC/D and foundation degree.

Lecturer

From 2002 till 2013 Martin has taught maths at University in the US and in the UK with particular focus on calculus and applications for STEM majors. He received his PhD in 2008 at the Ohio State University in the area of automorphic forms and representations. In 2014-15 Martin obtained his QTS Maths Secondary and since then he has taught maths KS3, KS4, KS5 as well as A-level.  

Lecturer

Lecturer