Apprentice stories MarcModern Apprentice
Food and Drink Operations (Butchery)
Marc's butchery apprenticeship has changed his life and given him a future he could only dream of before.
Marc's
journey
Marc left Falkirk High School aged 15, with few qualifications because of his dyslexia and ADHD. Then he applied for a Modern Apprenticeship in Food and Drink Operations (Butchery) through the school and hasn’t looked back.
Working with a team at Blair Drummond Smiddy helped him gain skills and competence in the trade. It's even inspired him to want his own shop one day. Marc said, ‘I used to feel so ashamed that I couldn’t read or write properly but doing the Modern Apprenticeship has totally changed my life.’
Marc's
apprenticeship
During Marc’s apprenticeship he became a key member of the team, helping the business to grow by 24%. To top it all, Marc was named Apprentice of the Year at the 2024 Scottish Apprenticeship Awards!
Marc reflects, ‘My apprenticeship has been more valuable to me than anybody will ever know – from where I was, a shy 15-year-old boy not knowing if I’d ever have a stable job, 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.’
What was school like for you?
What has your apprenticeship done for you?
How has Marc changed since starting his apprenticeship?
When I was younger, I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to work or move out of home – I can’t believe how far I’ve come.
Marc
Modern Apprentice, Food and Drink Operations (Butchery)
The future
Marc passed his driving test, bought his own car and a motorbike and is now saving up to move into his own home.
He regularly receives glowing customer feedback and was invited by Quality Meat Scotland to share his journey on a webinar they hosted.
He’s also visited his old school to inspire other pupils to apply for apprenticeships.
Marc says, ‘I want other young people to know there are great career pathways such as apprenticeships, even if school wasn’t for them.’
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