Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week at Angus Soft Fruits
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we wanted to highlight our apprentices’ dedication and the positive impact stories to inspire those looking to start an apprenticeship programme to begin their career or an apprenticeship scheme for a business. At Angus Soft Fruits, we invest in the future of our people and business by providing growth and career development opportunities.
Ross Gilmartin – Angus Soft Fruits Finance Apprentice
Ross joined us in December 2023 as a Finance Modern Apprentice, completing an SVQ in Business Administration at SCQF Level 6 in just nine months. His tailored learning approach allowed him to gain hands-on experience in document processing, data analysis, and financial reporting.
Recognising his contributions, we offered Ross a permanent role, which he accepted. He is now pursuing an AAT Certificate in Accounting, further enhancing his expertise. His impact on the Finance team has been significant, including producing essential VAT return reports.
Reflecting on his apprenticeship journey, Ross shared that he was drawn to the programme as he sought a career change and an opportunity to learn from the basics while working and studying simultaneously. One of his proudest achievements has been completing key qualification milestones ahead of schedule, made possible by a structured study schedule. Additionally, he was honoured to receive the Angus Soft Fruits’ Pick of the Crop award for efficiency.
Looking ahead, Ross is committed to advancing his career by gaining higher qualifications and encourages others to consider apprenticeships, highlighting the invaluable combination of practical experience and structured learning.
Daniel Padeanu – Angus Soft Fruits Engineering Apprentice 
Daniel started his apprenticeship in 2023, which provided a valuable combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on learning. This enabled him to develop a deeper understanding of fault finding, troubleshooting mechanical and electrical systems, and preventive maintenance. The balance between classroom learning and practical application has strengthened his ability to approach problems logically while putting solutions into real-world practice.
The apprenticeship has also enhanced team collaboration, encouraging a more proactive approach to maintenance and continuous improvement. With the introduction of new methods and processes, the team is now able to tackle projects more efficiently and improve reliability and performance within the department.
Beyond technical skills, the experience has improved problem-solving abilities, time management, and confidence in decision-making. Monthly on-site training sessions provide detailed explanations, real-world examples, and opportunities to address workplace challenges, ensuring continued growth and development. The apprenticeship contributes positively to personal and professional growth, with daily ongoing learning.
Ionut Tirziu – Angus Soft Fruits Engineering Manager’s Perspective
Since introducing the apprenticeship programme, the team has made significant progress. Apprentices have developed a deeper understanding of engineering, leading to improvements in workflow and efficiency. Communication has also strengthened, with a shared technical language fostering smoother teamwork. As a result, morale has improved, and the quality of work has noticeably increased.
Although balancing work and study requires careful planning, the long-term benefits far outweigh any initial challenges. While there has been a short-term impact on productivity, the overall investment in skills and knowledge has proven invaluable to the department.
For businesses considering apprenticeships, it is important to align training with business needs, provide flexibility in support, and exercise patience. The early effort yields significant results, demonstrating that apprenticeships are a strong investment in both employees and the company’s future.
The Future of Apprenticeships at Angus Soft Fruits
We are committed to fostering career growth through apprenticeships. As we celebrate Apprenticeship Week, we extend our gratitude to our apprentices and mentors for their dedication. Their enthusiasm drives our business forward, and we look forward to developing the industry’s future leaders. For more information on future apprenticeship opportunities, please visit the careers page on our website.
