Apprenticeships: a ladder to career success - Lauren Boyer
To celebrate Scottish Apprenticeship Week from 2 to 6 March, we are highlighting the journeys of six former apprentices who have built remarkable paths in the food & drink sector.
We asked each of them six key questions to uncover how their apprenticeship has provided the foundation for their success.
Lauren Boyer, quality & technical apprentice & marketing assistant, Rowan Glen
“The food and drink industry offers ambitious young people the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills and gain real responsibility early on.”
The starting point: what first attracted you to an apprenticeship in the food and drink industry, and what was your very first role?
I was drawn to an apprenticeship as I liked the aspect of being able to learn in a practical way rather than just from a textbook.
The food and drink industry appealed to me as it is an industry that is constantly evolving and I find the journey of how food goes from production to a supermarket shelf and onto your plate really interesting.
The learning curve: what was the most valuable skill you learned as an apprentice that you still use in your work today?
Since starting my apprenticeship at Rowan Glen, there are many valuable skills that I have learned and will carry with me throughout my career.
However, one that sticks out to me - especially in my current role - is attention to detail. I have learned how important it is to check processes carefully to maintain food safety and quality.
This has helped me build confidence in my role and understand the responsibilities that come with working in this industry.
The career ladder: can you briefly describe your journey from apprentice to your current position?
Throughout school, I always knew I wanted a successful career and worked hard to achieve good grades. One of my biggest goals throughout school was to go to university; however, after starting university in September 2024, I quickly realised it wasn’t the right path for me.
An apprenticeship felt like the best alternative as I would still gain a recognised qualification while earning at the same time.
Moving from school into employment was a big adjustment, as it is very different from a classroom environment and comes with more responsibility. Although this felt like a big change initially, with the right support this didn’t take long to adapt and has quickly become the “norm”.
The industry impact: why do you think the food and drink sector offers such a strong career path for ambitious young people in Scotland?
From my experience, the food and drink industry offers ambitious young people the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills and gain real responsibility early on.
I started as a quality assistant apprentice, but I have also been able to support social media and marketing which has helped me grow within my role.
It’s a fast-paced, evolving industry where you are constantly learning, developing and no two days are the same.
The myth-buster: what is one thing you would say to a parent or teacher who thinks apprenticeships are a “second-best” option to university?
Speaking from experience, I would say to parents and teachers that apprenticeships are not a second-best option, but a strong way to start a career.
Apprenticeships offer recognised qualifications alongside real workplace experience, allowing young people to develop practical skills, build professional working relationships and gain confidence in a working environment.
The future: what is your ultimate career goal, and how did your apprenticeship give you the foundation to reach it?
By the age of 30, I would like to see myself in a management or leadership role within the food and drink industry.
I would like to continue attending relevant college training courses, to strengthen my knowledge in my role and successfully graduate from my Open University degree, studying business management to 2030. Studying for this degree, as part of my apprenticeship, will deepen my understanding of how a small to mid-size business operates and provide opportunities to progress within the industry or move into different sectors of business should I wish to.
I hope to build on my experience in quality and gain a broad understanding of the business, whilst also remaining a strong advocate for apprenticeships and the opportunities they offer.
Voices of experience
The campaign is part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week (2–6 March 2026) and aims to show that an apprenticeship is an effective ladder to a successful, long-term career.
Our case studies feature a diverse group of professionals at various stages of their careers:
Alan Baxter: managing director, Rowan Glen
Victor West: CEO of Macsween Allan Food Group and non-exec director at Associated Seafoods
Gordon Newlands: brand development manager, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS)
Robbie Hughan: assessor, Craft Skills Scotland
Donald McInnes: food and nutritionist, West Dunbartonshire Council
Lauren Boyer: quality and technical apprentice and marketing assistant, Rowan Glen
The stories of these individuals show that an apprenticeship is not just a route to a first job, but the foundation of a lifelong career. It develops the key transferrable skills needed to progress in life.
There are many exciting reasons to work in food and drink. It’s rewarding, you can make a difference and there truly is a job for everyone. Whatever the uncertainties about the years ahead, people will always want to eat and drink – and to eat and drink well. There will always be careers to get your teeth into.
An apprenticeship is the perfect entry point for those looking to build a secure and successful future in this vital industry.
Want more inspiration about a career in food & drink in Scotland? Watch this short film or visit our career information resource.