To mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025, we spoke to Ross Middleton, Chef Manager in ESS Energy, who recently completed a management level apprenticeship. Ross discusses his career progression, aspirations and what he has gained from the course.
Could you talk us through your career so far?
I joined ESS in 2012 following various roles in restaurants and hotels. The offshore sector was new to me, but I was attracted by the company and the shift patterns which would give me time to focus on my career as well as extended periods with my young family.
I’ve always been driven to progress, and I thought I’d spend a couple of years in the sector before moving on. However, I quickly realised that there is a great scope for progression here!
I started out in a large unit as a chef baker and ended up staying for five years as I developed my skills and learnt more about working offshore.
When I moved to my next unit, I’d decided I wanted to be a manager and set about stretching myself. I would set my alarm early so I could support the chef manager and learn about processes including stock and budget management before my shifts. During the pandemic, I had the chance to step into a head chef role which offered me broader experience.
When I joined my current unit, I took the opportunity to work with my manager on menu development and presentation to ensure the food we serve our customers reflects what they’re used to seeing on the high street. After 18 months, that manager left for a role elsewhere in Compass, so I entered the interview process and was delighted to be offered the position!
I’ve had some great managers during my career with ESS – I credit a lot of my progress and success to them and their willingness to invest time and effort in developing me. They’ve set a high bar and shown me the type of manager I want to be. It’s really important to me that I pay that forward and support the next generation coming through.
What has been your apprenticeship journey?
I was looking to build on my strong foundations in ESS by doing a formal qualification and that’s when I decided to start a management level apprenticeship.
I joined the SCQF Level 7 in Management Modern Apprenticeship course in summer 2023 and completed it 18 months later.
The course included a mixture of theory and how to apply it in practical situations, covering subjects including nurturing talent, mentoring, managing conflict and communication. Due to the breadth of my experience, I was able to draw on real life examples for my case studies which really helped with translating the theory into practice.
How has your apprenticeship supported your growth?
Without a doubt, the apprenticeship has built my confidence. I always felt like I had the potential within me, but the course has given me a greater belief in my skills and capabilities. It’s also encouraged me to face into my weaknesses. Previously, I would have avoided acknowledging these, but now I know that by understanding them I can address them, and that speaking to people about areas where I feel less sure can actually be really helpful.
The course taught me so much about the power of communication! I manage a team of six, all with different personalities, ways of working and communication styles. On top of this, I’ve had to navigate the transition from team member to manager which can be challenging. Through the apprenticeship I’ve learnt about different techniques and approaches to communicating, and the importance of being clear with my directions so everyone knows what’s required of them.
It's also helped me with realistic goal setting! I had a tendency to over-reach and look too far ahead, but developing SMART objectives has shown me the importance of getting the two-year plan right to support the ten-year plan. I’m much more focused on the present moment now, which means I’m more able to maximise my own performance and that of my team.
I’ve found the whole process incredibly motivating. It means a lot to me that the company is willing to invest in my growth and development and I was really touched when the Compass apprenticeships team and ESS senior leaders reached out to congratulate me on completing my course.
Overall, I’ve learnt that there isn’t one right way to manage and that I need to embrace my strengths and weaknesses to become the best manager that I can be.
What are some of the challenges you experienced while studying?
I think everyone embarking on a course while working will agree that balancing the different parts of your life can be difficult at times! When I started my apprenticeship, I was navigating my step into management while also conscious that I wanted to be present for my family during the periods I was at home. I was constantly prioritising and reprioritising to make everything fit, but I became more comfortable with that process and found the best route through it.
What advice would you give to someone considering starting an apprenticeship?
I’d always encourage people to make the most of the great opportunities available because of the value you can add to yourself and your current or future teams.
Don’t feel too daunted by joining a course as you’ll get great support from the company and training providers, who offer valuable mentoring and allow you the space to work and study while also making sure that you stay on track.
To anyone who is on a course, I’d say draw on the skills, knowledge and viewpoints of everyone around you to support your development. Our teams include people of all different ages, backgrounds and lengths of service – you can learn something from all of them!
