Seb joined Oakham in Lower One and, eight years later, he leaves with an exceptional achievement: securing a highly competitive degree apprenticeship with Rolls Royce. In a landscape where most applicants submit dozens of applications, Seb applied for just one – and got it. His journey reflects not only determination and passion, but also the confidence to shape his own path.
Finding the Right Opportunity
Seb’s route into apprenticeships was not entirely straightforward. Like many Sixth Form students, he began exploring options early, working with Oakham’s Futures team to understand what might suit him.
“At the start of Seventh Form, I was looking at degree apprenticeships, but none of the options really interested me,” he explains. “At one point I even withdrew from the process.”
“I was only interested in the automotive industry and there really weren’t many options. When this one came up, I just went for it.”
A Rigorous Selection Process
Despite only submitting one application, the process itself was far from simple.
After an initial screening, Seb was invited to an online interview. “It felt much more like a conversation than I expected,” he says. From there, he progressed through multiple stages of assessment and interview.
“Each stage felt like another step closer. It was a long process, but I always knew I was progressing.”
His preparation was thorough. Seb speaks about researching the role in depth and seeking advice from staff, including Head of Design & Technology Tim Weston, to ensure he fully understood the expectations of the position.
A Passion for Engineering – Inspired by Motorsport
Although Seb now embarks on a career in engineering, his passion developed gradually.
“It really started with my interest in motorsport and Formula 1,” he explains. Combined with his A-level subjects – Maths, Physics and Chemistry – he began to see the real-world applications of STEM.
While he didn’t take Design & Technology beyond Year 9, he found other ways to build relevant skills. Computer Science proved particularly valuable, especially for the coding elements within his role. He also completed the Industrial Cadets programme in Sixth Form, gaining further insight into the world of engineering.
Apprenticeship vs University
Seb’s achievement is all the more impressive given the strength of his university applications. He received offers from Loughborough, Birmingham, Southampton and Warwick to study automotive or mechanical engineering, ultimately firming Loughborough.
However, when the Rolls Royce offer came through, the decision became clear.
The apprenticeship offers a compelling alternative:
• A fully funded degree in Electrical Engineering
• Three days working on site and two days studying at university (University of Chichester)
• Four years of industry experience
• A salary, with no student debt
• Guaranteed employment at the end
“If I’d gone to university, I would have taken a placement year anyway,” he reflects. “This way I get four years of experience instead of one – and a degree at the same time.”
Life Beyond the Classroom
Seb’s Oakham journey has been rich and varied. A committed sportsman, he has achieved outstanding success across athletics and squash:
• School Squash Captain and 1st Team Captain
• Athletics Co Captain
• Victor Ludorum at Sports Day 2025
• County Champion in high jump and hurdles
Prize giving and sports day Lower School, 22 June 2019
Sport, he says, has been central to his experience, particularly through House life under the guidance of his Housemaster, Mr Denman, first in Sargants, then in Barrow.
“House sport was such a big part of Lower School. That competitive spirit has stayed with me.”
Looking Ahead
In September, Seb will begin his apprenticeship near Goodwood, balancing work and study while living independently and building connections with fellow apprentices.
“I’ll still get a bit of university life alongside working, which is a great balance.”
Advice for Future Applicants
Seb’s experience offers a powerful message for current students considering apprenticeships:
“Be yourself. If you’re right for the role, you don’t need to pretend to be someone else. Just be confident in who you are.”
Seb’s journey highlights the power of following your instincts, embracing opportunities when they arise, and having the confidence to do things differently. From his first days in Lower One to securing a place with Rolls Royce, he has made the most of every opportunity at Oakham – and his next chapter promises to be just as exciting. We wish him every success as he begins his career in engineering and look forward to hearing about all he achieves in the years ahead.
