What a journey its been for Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year!

It has been an amazing year for Marc Ingram from Scottish Craft Butchers member, Blair Drummond Smiddy, who won the title of Scottish Apprentice of the year 2024 at a glittering ceremony this time last year.
Marc took some time out to speak to Gordon King to reflect on his journey from school, through his apprenticeship and up to the roller-coaster which he says describes 2024.

Marc explained that he left school at 15 with no qualifications. He felt really really worried about his future but knew that sitting playing online games was not going to get him far.
Marc said “ I knew that I wanted to do something and that butchery was an attractive option with opportunities. I spoke to my school career advisor who reached out to the industry through Scottish Craft Butchers. My CV was sent out on my behalf and interest came back from Blair Drummond Smiddy”.
“My mum and Dad were keen to encourage me into a trade. As soon as I had my interview with the team at Blair Drummond Smiddy, I could feel the positive atmosphere in the shop and decided that was the place I wanted to be”.

Thankfully the interview team at Blair Drummond Smiddy saw the potential in Marc and decided to employ him.

Marc stated that the vibe from the shop was friendly and kind which encouraged him to develop his skills and fit in with the team and build a relationship with the customers.

Marc said “I remember my first day, I was so shy, especially with my dyslexia and ADHD. I remember being worried about telling my colleagues but my now manager, Fraser Sivewright, did so much to help me settle in and I will always be grateful for that. The support of colleagues has done so much for me even in my personal life”.
Marc is convinced that the early support from colleagues led to a boost in confidence which to this day helps him manage his ADHD.
Marc was delighted to be enrolled onto his Modern Apprenticeship SCQF 5 qualification in Meat & Poultry Skills with Craft Skills Scotland. He realised this was going to be a challenge, especially with the written coursework but says his assessor, Sarah Frew, really put his concerns aside.
“From day one, Sarah put me at ease. She established early on that I had dyslexia and ADHD and ensured me that there was no barrier to me progressing on the course. She really made me feel like I was not going to be judged”
Marc explained that not long after he started at the shop, he read one of the SCB newsletters which contained details of other apprentices receiving awards. He stated to Fraser that he thought it was amazing to get an award for butchery. Marc was taken aback by Frasers reply
“Fraser said to me that if I kept going the way I was in the shop then he felt that would be me getting awards in 2 years time. That was the first time I realised that someone really believed in me”.
Marc made his way through the course steadily and completed the SCQF 5 level in good time. This led to his nomination for Scottish Apprentice of the Year early in 2024. Marc stated he found out about the nomination and was overwhelmed. Winning the title was “just mind blowing”.

The win saw lift off on what has been an amazing year!
“ The awards ceremony was in Aberdeen and I attended with my colleagues. I went along not expecting to win, i was just happy to be nominated”.
“I was blown away when it was announced that I was Scottish Apprentice of the Year”

Marc is now an ambassador for Dsylexia Scotland, which is something he is incredibly proud of.
Marc has been able to use his own experience to help others outside his work environment.
The award led to invitations to many events, one being to meet the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street which Marc describes as “surreal”.

The media attention was something Marc had to get used to and, at times was a little overwhelming.
He was amazed that people wanted to hear his story. He clearly attributes his build in confidence from the workplace as being essential to help him cope with the attention.

Marc states that he is focussed on developing himself further to be “the best he can be”. He admires many other butchers in the industry who he says are “far more experienced” and appreciates the ability to connect with them on social media and at industry events. He sometimes wonders if they are aware of the influence that they have on the younger generation.
“ I have discovered, to my delight, that there are many people in this industry who will give you their time and guidance freely, I`m not sure they really realise how much that is appreciated by myself and the younger people in our industry”.

“Equally it is great to have colleagues around me who have a unique talent to keep me grounded!”

“Winning the award was so amazing, but it is proof that you don’t have to be the brightest kid at school to win awards, you just have to be yourself!”
Marc does feel that the school system could do more to encourage individuals to look at an apprenticeship as a career option.
“I don’t think that apprenticeships are spoken about enough in schools, there is always talk of going to college or university but there should be more encouragement to take up apprenticeships from teachers, schools don’t really give you life lessons which apprenticeships do so well.”

Marc explained that he did have the opportunity recently at a Dsylexia Scotland event to air his feelings to 250 teachers from across Scotland. Many approached him afterwards and assured him they would do more to promote apprenticeships to their pupils in future.
Marc was reluctant to say what the highlight of the year was as “each event became the favourite” as it came along, but he is truly grateful for all the experiences and for the support of his family and work colleagues.
So what is next for Marc?
“I want to complete my SCQF 6 and my Craft Butcher Diploma. I also want to participate in butchery competition`s and hopefully take part in the World Butchers Challenge representing the country”.

What advice would you give your successor as Scottish Apprentice of the Year?
“I would say try to enjoy it, it is an amazing experience. Don’t think that winning the award is the end, it is just the beginning so try to make the most of the opportunities that come your way”.

If you would like more information about a Modern Apprenticeships
Contact: Claire Simpson Tel:01738 637785 Email: claire@craftskills.net