Prime cuts to Prime Minister: Scotland's Apprentice of the Year meets Sir Keir
Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year, Marc Ingram is still on cloud nine after a visit to No.10.
Marc was one of a specially chosen audience that the new Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, addressed when he gave a key speech in the Downing Street garden this week (27 August 2024).
Butcher Marc was making prime cuts at his work in the Blair Drummond Smiddy Farm Shop in Stirlingshire one day and, the next, meeting the Prime Minister.
Marc shared how his invitation came out of the blue. He explained: “Last week, I woke up to find an e-mail inviting me to a speech by the Prime Minister, followed by a private reception at 10 Downing Street. I couldn’t believe it, I was so excited!”
Marc jumped at the chance and started packing. His manager Fraser Sivewright accompanied him on the trip for support. Marc said: “I had never been to London before, so Fraser and I travelled down the day before to look around and get in as many sites as possible.”
Unforgettable experience
Fraser wasn’t included in the guest list, so Marc had to attend the event alone. Marc said: “It was so surreal to go to the gates at Downing Street, give my name and then to walk down the street on my own and knock the door to number ten. It was an experience I’ll never forget.”
Apprentices were an important part of the Prime Minister’s speech, with Sir Keir Starmer stating: “When I stood on the steps of Downing Street - just over there - two months ago. I promised this government would serve people like you. Apprentices. Teachers. Nurses. Small business owners. Firefighters.
“Those serving our community and our country every day. I promised that we would get a grip on the problems we face. And that we would be judged by our actions, not by our words.
“I said before the election - and I say it again really clearly today: Growth.”
After the speech, Marc was among the guests at the reception with the Prime Minister with other award winning apprentices from businesses across the UK including fellow Scot and apprentice Aimee Dickson from SP Energy Networks, who is a member of the Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board.
Reflecting on the Prime Minister's speech on social media, Aimee wrote: "I was especially pleased to hear his emphasis on supporting apprentices, something I am of course extremely passionate about.
"Following the speech, I had the pleasure of networking with professionals from various industries. The exchange of ideas and perspectives was both enlightening and motivating. It was surreal to stand in a room where so many politicians and world leaders have been.
"I am grateful for the chance to connect with such a diverse and talented group of individuals, all with the shared goal of contributing to building a better future together."
My apprenticeship has completely changed my life and given me genuine goals and focus for what I want to achieve going forward.
Scotland's Apprentice of the Year, Marc Ingram
Sense of pride
In a social media post he shared about his experience, Marc wrote: “What feels like a minute has passed. I have just got back from what has been two of the most surreal, yet memorable days that I will cherish for the rest of my life! From visiting London for the first time and cramming in as many sites as possible, to having a scone and a cup of tea in the gardens of 10 Downing Street, I am still on a complete comedown and in shock from what has been a whirlwind couple of days!”
In the post, Marc reflected on the journey he has been on. He wrote: “Only just a couple of years ago, I was in a place where I genuinely had no idea and was constantly upset and worried about what my future held – fearing I had no career options due to my struggles with dyslexia, school and ADHD.
“Looking back to where I was then, to where I am now, I can only feel an immense sense of pride with what I have achieved and the opportunities it has given me, which I never thought would be possible.
“My apprenticeship has completely changed my life and given me genuine goals and focus for what I want to achieve going forward.”
Read about Marc's amazing achievements on the news pages of the SDS website that led to him being named Scotland's Apprentice of the Year at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards in March 2024.
