It was wonderful to welcome two recent leavers back to Seaford last week as part of a delegation from Rolls-Royce on campus to talk to students about apprenticeships.

Seaford’s regular careers talks often attract alumni and they’re keen to pass on advice to students about to enter higher education or the world of work.

Rosie Smith and Patrick Weld, both work at the famous car and engine maker, said that they really enjoyed talking to our Year 10-13 students. They both took different routes onto their apprenticeships. Patrick left Seaford in 2021 and applied alongside his UCAS application. After a successful interview he started his apprenticeship where he works in logistics and planning and studies for a project management degree at Portsmouth University. He said: “My university course and projects really support my job and the projects I work on at Rolls-Royce I can use as case studies at university. I’m really enjoying the apprenticeship and it was the right path for me after Seaford.”

Rosie left Seaford in 2016 and did an art foundation course. She said: “I knew I wanted to work in a creative job and by chance heard about the apprenticeship. I applied and have never looked back. I do things now that I never thought I’d be able to do.” Rosie now works in seat development where she specialises in future models of seats.

There are a range of benefits to apprenticeships which include Rolls-Royce funding your further education, work experience, development opportunities and a company car.

A huge thank you to Rosie and Patrick and the other Rolls-Royce employees who took the time to visit Seaford to pass on their experience to students. Thanks also to Angela Loten, Head of Careers, for organising the talk.