Apprenticeships: a ladder to career success - Robbie Hughan
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.
Robbie Hughan, Assessor, Craft Skills Scotland
“As an apprentice, I wasn’t just observing - I was expected to contribute, work alongside people of all ages and take responsibility for my role in the team. That sense of accountability and confidence in getting stuck in is something I still rely on every day.”
The starting point: what first attracted you to an apprenticeship in the food and drink industry, and what was your very first role?
At school I was encouraged towards university, but after around six weeks I realised it wasn’t for me. I knew I wanted a career that would set me up for the future.
I’d worked weekends and holidays in a butcher’s shop throughout school and while at college & university, and I loved it - especially watching the skill and craftsmanship of the butchers.
After telling my manager I was leaving university, we discussed moving into a full-time apprenticeship, which felt like the right path.
The learning curve: what was the most valuable skill you learned as an apprentice that you still use in your work today?
The most valuable skills I learned were initiative and teamwork.
As an apprentice, I wasn’t just observing - I was expected to contribute, work alongside people of all ages and take responsibility for my role in the team.
That sense of accountability and confidence in getting stuck in is something I still rely on every day.
The career ladder: can you briefly describe your journey from apprentice to your current position?
I started as a Saturday boy, then progressed into a full-time apprenticeship. I later moved to a more traditional shop to develop further skills, including whole-carcass butchery.
That experience led to an opportunity to become a shop manager. Today, I work with Craft Skills Scotland as an assessor, supporting apprentices across Scotland to achieve their Modern Apprenticeships.
The industry impact: why do you think the food and drink sector offers such a strong career path for ambitious young people in Scotland?
Scotland produces exceptional food and drink, and the pride and passion of the people behind it make the sector a fantastic career choice.
The industry offers real progression, hands-on skills and long-term opportunities for ambitious young people who want a meaningful and respected career.
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?
Apprenticeships are far from a second-best option. I know many people who went to university, earned degrees and now work in completely unrelated fields. I also assess apprentices who already have degrees but chose a different path.
Apprenticeships can open doors worldwide - I’ve seen people start as apprentices and go on to build successful careers across the globe.
Certainly in my own experience, an apprenticeship was far more suited and beneficial to me than university.
A December birthday meant I couldn’t leave school until Christmas so I stayed on to finish fifth year, thinking this would be the most sensible since I’d already completed half a year.
My plan was to leave and pursue a plumbing apprenticeship which I had already lined up. School then persuaded me that was a waste and pushed me to pursue university and computing as I had achieved an A in Higher computing.
I then left school and spent a year at college achieving a HNC in Information Technology, which let me study computing at university. I hated pretty much every minute of this, leaving me with no plan.
Fast forward 15 years and after a successful apprenticeship in butchery, working from Saturday all the way to store manager, I have now moved into an Assessor/Verifier role with Craft Skills Scotland supporting apprentices to achieve their qualifications across Scotland.
The future: what is your ultimate career goal, and how did your apprenticeship give you the foundation to reach it?
I don’t have a fixed end goal, but I know the experience and life skills gained through my apprenticeship - earning while learning, building confidence, and developing a strong work ethic - have given me a solid foundation.
Those skills continue to support my career progression and will help me succeed whatever direction I take next.
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.