Daniel Earl, Dumfries

15/05/14: Daniel Earl, (17) of Dumfries is one of 900 food and drink employees hoping to complete a Modern Apprenticeship in Scotland each year.

His apprenticeship, delivered by Perth based, Scottish Meat Training, covered all aspects of the job, from meat preparation and packaging to stock control and customer liaison.

Daniel left St Joseph’s College in Dumfries without knowing what he was going to do. He applied for numerous jobs but believes that because he was well presented and well spoken, he got the job at Kilnford.

In the year that Daniel had been at the butchers he has learned how to make sausages and burgers, break down lambs and bone out shoulders. He said he loves it:-

“I get good experience here, sometimes I am through the back, sometimes on the counter and other times on the three for £10. It is all good fun. It’s really nice being able to go out of your way to get a customer something that they are looking for.”

Douglas Scott, Chief Executive of Scottish Meat Training said:-

“Modern Apprenticeships allow people to enter our industry and gain both skills and qualifications, alongside invaluable on-the-job experience while picking up a wage.”

Commitment to training at Kilnford Farm Shop has always been a priority with employees John Douglas, William Henderson and Derek McKie previously completing Modern Apprenticeships and Campbell Spark currently working towards a Level 3 in Specialist Meat & Poultry Skills.

Maurice McMenemy of Kilnford Farm Shop added:-

“We recognise that when it comes to developing the next generation of employees we have to ‘grow our own’. Using the Modern Apprenticeship route my business has gained a committed and enthusiastic young person who has great potential to progress further. It is important that my staff have the craft skills that maintains the independent butchers’ distinct advantage.”