Apprenticeships: a ladder to career success - Victor West
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.
Victor West, CEO of Macsween Allan Food Group and Non-exec Director at Associated Seafoods
“The most important thing I discovered wasn’t a technical skill, but a positive mindset and a strong work ethic. I learned early on to go the extra mile in every situation.”
The starting point: what first attracted you to an apprenticeship in the food and drink industry, and what was your very first role?
For me, the big draw was the realisation that I didn't have to choose between learning and earning. I could work, gain real-world experience and be mentored, all while studying for my qualifications.
My first role was a 12-month “bag carrier” assignment to an incredible businessman. He became my career mentor and, 35 years later, we are still working together. It just goes to show how the relationships you build at the very start can support you for decades.
The learning curve: what was the most valuable skill you learned as an apprentice that you still use in your work today?
Develop a positive attitude with a strong work ethic, go the extra mile in every situation
The most important thing I discovered wasn’t a technical skill, but a positive mindset and a strong work ethic. I learned early on to go the extra mile in every situation.
In a busy industry like food & drink, that willingness to get stuck in and support the team is what really gets you noticed.
The career ladder: can you briefly describe your journey from apprentice to your current position?
After that first year as a bag carrier, I moved into a trainee management accountant role and then progressed to management accountant. A big turning point came when I had the chance to join the senior team of a small business with big growth plans.
It felt like a risk at the time, but it exposed me to everything from operational management and procurement to wider financial roles. While I was doing all of this, I continued to study for my professional qualifications.
As the company grew and we began acquiring other businesses, more commercial opportunities opened up. By my mid-20s I was offered a director position, and I became a CEO in my late 30s. Today, I’m a CEO, a non-exec director and a business founder.
The industry impact: why do you think the food and drink sector offers such a strong career path for ambitious young people in Scotland?
People often don’t realise that every career imaginable is available within this sector.
Whether you want to be a scientist, an accountant or a marketing expert, those roles are all here. Plus, Scottish food and drink is a global export. There are no geographical limits to where this industry can take you.
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?
I would tell them that there are so many solid examples of apprenticeship routes delivering results well ahead of the traditional university path.
There is “no wrong path”, we just have to work harder to individualise the journey for our young people. An apprenticeship isn’t a back-up plan, it’s a high-speed route to the top.
The future: what is your ultimate career goal, and how did your apprenticeship give you the foundation to reach it?
I have been fortunate enough to achieve most of my career goals already, and I've thoroughly enjoyed every bit of the journey.
There is no doubt that my apprenticeship provided the credible foundation I needed. It gave me access to further qualifications and equipped me for the realities of the workplace.
These days, I get to spend more time doing my favourite thing, which is mentoring the next generation of talent.
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.