Modern Apprentice Level 5 finalists

Marc Ingram Falkirk

A Modern Apprenticeship has been life changing for young butcher Marc Ingram. Marc, 18, left school with few qualifications because of his dyslexia but hasn’t looked back after completing a Modern Apprenticeship in Skills for Craft Businesses. Working at Blair Drummond Smiddy, Stirlingshire, he has played a significant role in the growth of the business. Marc, of Falkirk, 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.”

Ryan Taylor Kelloholm

Dumfriesshire apprentice Ryan Taylor uses his valuable skills to help his employer cut waste while mentoring colleagues. The 22-year-old, who is partially sighted, has helped Browns Manufacturing Ltd, in Sanquhar, Dumfriesshire, operate more efficiently after completing a Modern Apprenticeship in Food and Drink Operations. Ryan, of Kelloholm, said: “Being able to work, learn and earn on a Modern Apprenticeship means you can focus on it, without having to worry about money.”

Ruairidh Neilly Kinlochleven

Talented fish farm worker Ruairidh Neilly’s commitment has cut costs and boosted productivity for his employer, inspiring bosses to create a new role just for him when he completed his apprenticeship. Ruairidh, 31, had no previous industry experience when he joined salmon farming company Bakkafrost Scotland in Portavadie, Argyll and Bute, less than five years ago. But he quickly built his knowledge and learned a range of new skills after applying for the Modern Apprenticeship in Aquaculture with UHI Argyll and is now the number one ‘go to’ whenever there is a problem on site.