Craft butcher named Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year
A craft butcher from Falkirk who credits his apprenticeship with changing his life has been named as Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year.
Marc Ingram picked up the Modern Apprentice of the Year SCQF Level 5 award at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards, held at the P&J Live in Aberdeen on Friday 8th March, before going on to win the evening’s overall prize.
Picking up the trophy, Marc said: “Winning this award is one of the best achievements of my life, from where I was a few years ago to where I am now, I wouldn’t have thought it was possible. If you had told me this I would never have believed you. I feel like the most happiest person in the world right now and I’m going to take this with me for the rest of my life.
“My apprenticeship has been more valuable to me than anybody in this world will ever know; from where I was a shy, 15 year old boy and not knowing if I’d ever have a stable job to ever move out the house, to be ready to buy my own house and have a car. It’s shown me that apprenticeships have done so much for me and I love it.”
Marc, 18, worried about his career options when he left Falkirk High at 15 with few qualifications because of his dyslexia and ADHD. The teenager applied for a Modern Apprenticeship in Skills for Craft Businesses (Butchery) through a school initiative and hasn’t looked back.
Working with a team of butchers at Blair Drummond Smiddy, Stirlingshire, helped him gain skills and competence in many aspects of the trade and inspired him to want his own shop one day. He quickly became a key member of the team, completing his apprenticeship and playing a significant role in the 24% growth the business has achieved.
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