SRUC showcases apprenticeship a-peel with Albert Bartlett for Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025

Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) is shining a spotlight on four apprentices who recently began their careers in food production with Albert Bartlett as part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week.

Each of them began 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.

Taylor McQuade, an apprentice working in Chilled – Low Care said: "I chose this apprenticeship as it's a great opportunity to gain a qualification while learning new skills.

"I have learnt 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, 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.

David Jackson, Head of HR at Albert Bartlett, 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."

Scottish Apprenticeship Week, running from 3 to 7 March, highlights the value of apprenticeships to businesses and the wider economy, encouraging young people to consider them as a route to their career of choice.

In September 2024, there were 38,595 Modern Apprentices training in Scotland according to Skills Development Scotland, an increase of 4.4 per cent 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.

To find out more about apprenticeships with SRUC visit here: https://www.sruc.ac.uk/study-with-us/study-options/apprenticeships/