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ReciteMarc’s story
Marc had a tough time at school, but a supportive learning programme put him on a trajectory to being Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year in 2024
Marc found school hard – he’s dyslexic and has ADHD; the classroom just wasn’t the right environment for him to learn at his best.
He found himself acting out to avoid school work and frightened he had no future.
When it wasn’t working out, Marc’s school arranged for him to join Falkirk Council’s Interrupted Learners Service, a supportive programme between Falkirk Council and Forth Valley College that helps young people on their way to a positive destination. For Marc, that meant taking steps towards his dream job of becoming a butcher.
After gaining some qualifications, Marc applied for an apprenticeship in butchery at the Smiddy Farm Shop near Stirling where he’s loving learning – and earning. He worked hard, learned all he could from his supervisors and his ambitions keep on growing.
In this video, Marc tells his emotional story about finding his path, with help from his parents, educators, employer and most importantly – his own belief in his ability to achieve his goals.
If school isn’t helping you learn at your best, learn from Marc. Whether you want to start on a vocational path or an academic one, there are ways to bridge the gap between school and your future.
Marc’s top tips for moving on from school
- Believe in yourself – you can succeed!
- Learn as much as you can, in a way that works for you. For me, this was hands-on, practical learning, so I did vocational training then an apprenticeship.
- Use the people who can help you. Your guidance teacher or SDS careers adviser can help you find the right opportunity for where you’re at, whether that’s a vocational employability course, pre-apprenticeship programme, apprenticeship or further and higher education. There’s no wrong path.