We caught up with Hunter Ashforth, a fourth year Apprentice Engineer from our Huntly depot to discuss all things Scot Agri Apprenticeships!  

Having grown up around farming and with previous experience working on farms, Hunter was drawn to our Apprenticeship scheme when he saw it advertised on Facebook. He was excited about the opportunity to not only be able to drive tractors and machinery but also learn how to repair and maintain them!  

Top Reasons to Choose a Scot Agri Apprenticeship  

When asked what stood out about the Scot Agri Apprenticeship program, Hunter highlighted the impressive benefits on offer to apprentices. He pointed out the great perks compared to other companies, such as our pension scheme, benefits such as Health Shield, and generous holiday allowance. Hunter particularly appreciated having use of a van for both professional and personal use, mentioning “a lot of companies don’t offer that, making Scot Agri a top choice.”  

A Day in the Life of a Scot Agri Apprentice  

Hunter walked us through a typical day at the Huntly depot, starting by arriving at work 8:00am! Hunter told us: “if it’s a job, I’ll load up the van, head out to complete a service or repair, and return to the depot to unload the van. On quieter days, I might take care of a few tasks around the depot, like tidying up and cleaning machines!” Overall, it’s a straightforward routine – Hunter follows the tasks assigned and gets to work!  

When asked about exciting projects, Hunter shared that he enjoys tackling bigger jobs. For example, working on engine or gearbox repairs, where instead of just replacing parts, he gets to help strip them down and see how they function. It’s a great opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how the equipment works.  

Hunter spoke highly of the daily support at Scot Agri, mentioning that there are employees with experience from different businesses and other depots who offer valuable insights. At the same time, there are long-standing team members who know the depot and our customers inside out, creating a wealth of knowledge to learn from. Hunter emphasised that working at Huntly “feels like being part of a family, which makes it a really great place to work.”  

Apprentice Responsibilities in Action  

When asked about his responsibilities, Hunter shared how they’ve become more significant throughout the years. “I’m now meeting customers, making on-site decisions, and handling a lot more admin. Each job comes with an increased responsibility, from managing parts to making key decisions,” he explained. Hunter expanded that as a fourth-year apprentice, he gets to drive a lot more equipment. Once he’s familiar with how it works, he’s able to start it off and even demonstrates its use to customers during equipment deliveries.  

Learning Environment  

Reflecting on his college experience and the learning environment, Hunter explained that they attend SRUC Oatridge, where they work with equipment that’s different from what they typically handle, like JCB or Massey Ferguson. This provides a unique learning experience, allowing them to gain knowledge in a broader range of areas, which he finds interesting. Hunter also highlighted how valuable the training at Massey Ferguson and JCB is to his apprenticeship. He explained that the in-depth courses provide a wealth of knowledge, making it a highly beneficial and interesting experience.  

Life Beyond Scot Agri  

Hunter shared that after qualifying, he’s eager to take on bigger tasks, such as working on engines or transmissions on his own. He also hopes to mentor new apprentices, passing on the skills he’s learned and training them just as he was trained. We asked Hunter if he had any future goals after his Scot Agri apprenticeship, he said: “I’d like to eventually own a small farm and happy to continue to progress at Scot Agri!”  

Hunter wrapped up by saying he believes the Scot Agri apprenticeship is an excellent opportunity for young people. When asked for advice for anyone considering the Scot Agri Apprenticeship, he emphasised the importance of fully committing to the role. “If you’re willing to do it, go for it 100%. But if you have any doubts, it’s a tough job, and you really need to be sure! If you stick with it, you’ll go really far!”

To find out more about Scot Agri apprenticeships, click here!