Ogilvie Fleet has marked National Apprenticeship Week by celebrating the achievements, experiences and career journeys of current and former apprentices across the business. From developing practical skills to building confidence and progressing into long-term careers, apprenticeships continue to play a vital role in developing talent and shaping the organisation’s future.

For many, the appeal of an apprenticeship lies in the opportunity to learn while working. Sales ledger apprentice Robbie Douglas described his experience as “rewarding,” adding that “it allowed me to learn practical skills while gaining real experience in the workplace.” He highlighted the value of applying learning immediately on the job and the strong support he received from colleagues.

Apprenticeships – the perfect balance

For Scott Bellingham, beginning an apprenticeship at 17 in the Ogilvie Fleet maintenance department offered the perfect balance between education and work. “I found it a good opportunity  to gain another qualification whilst also gaining some work experience,” he said. The support from management and colleagues helped him settle in and succeed, especially when juggling coursework with day‑to‑day responsibilities.

Maintenance Operations Administrator Haydn Smith chose the apprenticeship route for the chance to gain “real on-the‑job experience” while working toward a qualification. He praised the welcoming environment at Ogilvie, noting that “the team leaders always make themselves available for me and have helped me to learn new skills.” His modern apprenticeship combines office-based learning with online workshops covering IT skills, web design and digital media.

Job-specific skills

Systems Administrator Aaron Fish spent several years completing his apprenticeship, earning a Level 4 Diploma for Information Technologies and Telecommunications Professionals (SCQF Level 8). He explained that the programme gave him “a strong foundation in information technology, systems, and business processes,” and appreciated the flexibility Ogilvie offered to support his studies. Aaron’s work-based learning has allowed him to “develop practical, job-specific skills while earning a wage, which makes the learning immediately relevant and easier to apply”.

For Ryan Drennan, also a Systems Administrator, joining Ogilvie as an apprentice straight from school was the start of a long-term career. “Becoming an apprentice allowed me to have the best of both worlds,” he said, reflecting on how the experience enabled him to continue his education while gaining valuable workplace experience.

Real-world practice

Head of HR Jacqueline Neilson emphasised the wider value apprentices bring to the organisation. “Apprentices are important to us at Ogilvie as they create a strong bridge between learning and real-world practice,” she said. Their fresh perspectives, motivation and growing skillsets help build a capable, loyal workforce and support long-term innovation across the business.

Ogilvie Group’s background in construction supports apprenticeship schemes across the business, with a number of other apprentices currently employed across the Construction, Homes and Net-Defence divisions.

As Ogilvie Fleet continues to grow, the business is working with local universities to offer colleagues the chance to continue their studies via a graduate apprenticeship programme amongst other recognised qualifications.