1. Full Name:
Ryan Gow. John Munro Ltd, Dingwall

2. Job Role / Apprenticeship Title:
Boning Hall/Cutting room Supervisor
SCQF 5, SCQF 6 and Craft Butcher Diploma

3. What made you choose this apprenticeship path?
I chose this apprenticeship as I was at a certain age where I felt that if I didn’t leave the job I was in I’d be stuck with no trade or real career options. The simple structure of learning on the job whilst earning at the same time makes it an easy choice.

4. What were your goals when you started the apprenticeship?
Just to learn how to do the job competently and to the best of my ability, while also having options to progress further.

5. How did you feel at the beginning of your journey?
(e.g. excited, nervous, unsure — tell us how it felt to get started)
At the start I was probably quite nervous because I was starting something new and didn’t really have a clue what to do. I would say that after the first while I would say I was more excited to keep learning new things whenever possible.

6. What challenges did you face along the way?
I don’t think I faced many challenges except only the pressure I would put on myself to make sure I was always doing things right or even perfectly.
My main challenge was Covid 19. My apprenticeship was put on hold for a while due to assessors not being able to visit to sign off on the next stages, however once normal life resumed, I was able to move quickly through the apprenticeship and be signed off.

7. How did your assessor support you during your apprenticeship?
(Feel free to mention specific moments or ways they helped you succeed)
I had 2 assessors, during the time with my first assessor he would always make sure that I knew what had to be done whenever he visited whether that was practical or theory work. He would also ask questions throughout to see I was understanding. He also nominated me for apprentice of the year which I won and helped me progress in my career.
My second assessor was equally amazing for the brief time I had with her as she also super organised making sure things were done in a timely fashion. She also pushed you to be better in some ways. I believe they are the things in which helped me believe I could do almost any job I was given and even put my name in for promotion, which I also got – promoting me to boning hall/cutting room supervisor.

8. Was there a moment where things really started to “click” for you?
(This could be a breakthrough, a confidence boost, or a turning point)
I feel like things really started to click when I was able to work freely because I knew what I was doing, if that was boning/trimming/sausage and pudding production. It was also a boost to know that my superiors thought I was good enough to be the supervisor.

9. What impact has completing your apprenticeship had on your career or life?
I would say the impact has been great because I am able to do almost any job I’m asked to, I have also been promoted within the company allowing me to make decisions and also having a pay rise allowing me to save money so that I can hopefully buy my own house in the near future or go on holiday.
Completing my apprenticeship also gave me the belief that I could compete with the best butchers in the country, so I teamed up with one of the other butchers that I work with and we competed in the butcher wars 2025. We didn’t win but it was a very good experience and an eye opener.

10. How do you feel now that you’re qualified?
It feels amazing to be qualified to highest possible level as it means I can continue to work to the highest level, knowing how to do the job competently whilst also passing on my knowledge and ability the younger and new apprentices.

11. What are your next steps or future goals?
I haven’t really thought much more about next steps or my future goals as I’m quite content at the moment.

12. What advice would you give to someone just starting their apprenticeship?
When I started the best thing I found was to always ask questions when unsure, especially asking those who were more experienced because they knew what they were talking about. I would also watch and see how others would do things differently because there’s more than one way to do the job with the same outcome.