Lochgilphead butcher beats Scotland’s best in national apprenticeship awards

From the age of 14, Lochgilphead butcher Glen Stewart always knew his future lay in that industry and set out to be the best he could be.
Now his dedication, commitment and hard work with local butchers H D Ferguson has been rewarded with Glen (20) being named Scottish Craft Butchers SVQ Level 3 Modern Apprentice of The Year 2024 in the industry’s fiercely contested training awards.

Recognised as one of the country’s brightest new butchery stars, a thrilled Glen accepted his award at a ceremony at the weekend.
“I’m totally shocked but chuffed to bits!” he said.
“To be nominated among some of the best young butchers in the country made me very proud, to be shortlisted as a finalist was both humbling and exciting but to be the winner is absolutely indescribable – I’m so thrilled.”
Glen said that although his apprenticeship journey had been hard work and, at times, challenging, he had enjoyed every single aspect of the demanding training schedule.
“The team at Ferguson’s have been amazing – I’ve learned from the best,” he said. “While I love the actual physical side of butchery, I’m equally happy serving customers and just love getting a chat with our regulars.”

Glen was nominated for the prestigious national award by Craft Skills Scotland assessor Gordon King who said the young butcher had shown a maturity and dedication which made him not only a valued member of the team at Ferguson’s but also a great ambassador for the industry.
“Glen has engaged with me over the course of his qualification, submitting evidence for review, often within hours of his last visit, and setting an impressive pace,” said Gordon. “He was also very good at asking his assessor for feedback and where additional evidence was required this was prepared and submitted within a short period.
“He took great responsibility for his own development, and this is the very essence of the SVQ Level 3 apprenticeship, growing from strength to strength throughout his journey.
“In addition to impressive butcher skills, Glen has displayed excellent communication skills and has worked closely with his colleagues to build a productive working environment,” added Gordon. “He is a very popular member of the small team at Lochgilphead and is held in great affection by his regular customers.”

Craft Skills Scotland Training Manager Claire Simpson explained that the annual awards, sponsored by the Scotch Butchers Club, Incorporation of Fleshers Glasgow, Fleshers Trade Dundee and Lanarkshire Butchers Association, attract nominations from independent craft butchers throughout Scotland.
“Craft Skills Scotland have over 200 Candidates and nearly 80 employers involved in the Modern Apprenticeship training programme at any one time,” she said. “To be nominated for an award is an amazing achievement – to win one is outstanding.
“The panel had a difficult decision to select the finalists for each award and were very impressed with the high standard of all the nominations this year.
“Glen is one of this year’s outstanding achievers and worthy of a Scottish Craft Butcher Award.”

Ends

For further information please contact:
Claire Simpson, Training Manager, Craft Skills Scotland on 01738-637785

Finalists_and_Winners_Booklet_2024.pdf