A RURAL college has highlighted the important role apprentices will play in the future of the British potato industry by showing how four apprentices have been forging a career in food production with Albert Bartlett.
Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) used the recent Scottish Apprenticeship Week to show how the four started out in January, undertaking the Modern Apprenticeship (MA) in Food and Drink Operations (Production and Processing Skills), based at the Albert Bartlett potato facility in Airdrie.
The four apprentices – Aaron Simpson, Nikki Condron, Taylor McQuade and Aaron Hawthorne are all working in Chilled – Low Care.
Taylor said: “I chose this apprenticeship as it’s a great opportunity to gain a qualification while learning new skills. I have learned through this programme there’s lots of opportunities for staff to progress through the business, and that Albert Bartlett value their staff.”
The course challenges them to develop their skills while working full time, gaining a greater understanding of their operating environment and studying towards an industry-recognised qualification in the process.
Dr Mary Thomson, SRUC’s Vice-Principal – Skills and Lifelong Learning, said: “Scottish Apprenticeship Week is dedicated to showcasing the importance of lifelong learning, and this is an excellent example of it in practice. These apprentices have taken an exciting step into a vibrant industry, and we’re delighted to be able to support them along it as they work at Albert Bartlett.”
Albert Bartlett, as a firm, has a history of investing in young talent and encouraging professional development among its staff.
Head of HR David Jackson said: “Apprentices play a vital role in our business, giving routes for younger staff to grow their abilities and confidence and to progress within their profession. We believe strongly in giving young workers every opportunity to develop themselves and realise their futures with us.”
In September 2024, there were 38,595 Modern Apprentices training in Scotland according to Skills Development Scotland, an increase of 4.4% from the year prior.
Apprentices are a key part of the labour force, and the programmes offer access to education for those who have taken less traditional routes to learning, especially young people. Of all apprentices currently studying in Scotland, 52.5 per cent are under 20.
SRUC is a key provider of Modern Apprenticeships across Scotland and especially in rural and remote locations, with a host of programmes aimed at different industries and subjects. Learners can be purely distance-based, block release or day release, with the style of learning moulded to the needs of the learner.
Albert Bartlett is a leading food production company founded in 1948, with a presence across the UK and a base in Scotland. It has become known in particular for its potatoes, especially the ‘Rooster’ variety.
