In January 2025, Kate Wilson joined Rotary Power as a Quality Assurance Administration Apprentice. She is currently completing a fourteen-month Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship, whilst continuing to develop her skills and experience within the team.

To mark National Apprenticeship Week, we caught up with Kate to hear more about what inspired her to begin an apprenticeship, the responsibilities she has taken on and how her role is helping her build confidence and develop for the future.

Background

What were you doing before starting your apprenticeship?
Before joining British Engines, I spent two years working in a restaurant after leaving school. I was keen to start working and I didn’t want to commit to further education until I was certain. I saw an advert for the British Engines Apprenticeship Scheme offering the opportunity to learn whilst working and it felt like the right step for me.

What attracted you to doing an apprenticeship?
I was attracted to the opportunity to gain qualifications without being in full-time education, all while earning a wage. I also liked the idea of being able to develop my skills and gain experience in the workplace.

What did you know about engineering before you joined?
I had little knowledge. However, I did some research into the company which really helped. Starting as an apprentice also made it clear that you don’t need prior engineering knowledge, the scheme gives you the support and training you need to learn from the beginning and you can build your understanding as you go!

Apprenticeship Journey so Far

What does a typical day look like for you?
My role involves producing a daily scrap report each morning and sharing it with the relevant departments to ensure quality issues are communicated clearly. I also manage the calibration system, which includes identifying measuring equipment approaching its calibration due date, collecting it from the shop floor and organising recalibration.

I regularly communicate with stakeholders and management to raise purchase orders, arrange shipments and organise on-site visits.

What stage of your apprenticeship are you at now?
I’m currently in the final stage of my fourteen-month Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship and working towards my end-point assessment. It feels like a big milestone and I’m looking forward to finishing my qualification and continuing to build on everything I’ve learned so far in the role.

How do you balance work and study?
I have a dedicated study day each month to focus on my apprenticeship work. The business has been supportive in giving me the time I need to stay on track with my qualification. If I ever need extra time to focus on coursework or prepare for assessments, the team is understanding and flexible, which makes it much easier to balance my workload and learning alongside my day-to-day responsibilities.

How has your learning continued throughout your apprenticeship and what achievements are you most proud of and what challenges have you overcome?
Throughout my apprenticeship I’ve continued to learn something new every day, and as my experience has grown, so has my confidence in my role. Looking back, I can clearly see how much I’ve developed, I now feel settled in the team and able to make a genuine contribution. One of my proudest achievements is the level of trust I’ve been given, including being involved in important workplace projects and taking on responsibility early in my apprenticeship. It’s been very rewarding to feel valued and supported as I’ve progressed.

A key challenge I’ve overcome has been building my confidence and becoming more vocal within the team. Working in a male-dominated industry felt intimidating at first, but over time I’ve learned to trust my knowledge, share my ideas, and take part in discussions. Becoming more confident and comfortable speaking up is something I’m especially proud of.

Advice for Future Apprentices

Would you recommend the British Engines apprenticeship scheme?
Yes, absolutely. I’ve really enjoyed my experience so far and I’d recommend an apprenticeship route to anyone who feels they learn better in a professional environment, with real-world situations. It’s super supportive and a great way to grow confidence!

What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?
I would encourage anyone considering becoming an apprentice to go for it. It’s a great chance to learn in a real working environment, gain experience straight away and develop skills that will support your long-term career.

The British Engines Apprentice Scheme provides plenty of guidance throughout, so you’re never expected to know everything from day one, you’re able to grow into the role step by step!

We wish Kate all the very best as she enters the final stage of her apprenticeship here at Rotary Power. Feeling inspired? Find out more about the British Engines Apprenticeship Scheme.