At Scot Agri, we’re all about helping our people grow and giving ambitious individuals the chance to build a career in agriculture. Jack Bousie, now a Service Engineer at our Perth Depot, is a great example of how our apprenticeship programme can turn a real interest into a career.  

Getting Started at Scot Agri  

Jack’s journey at Scot Agri began unexpectedly. ‘It worked out because my dad came home and told me there was an apprenticeship,’ he recalls. ‘I applied, got an interview, and started at the Perth depot.’  

The Scot Agri Apprenticeship Programme aligned perfectly with Jack’s childhood interests in farm machinery and JCBs. ‘It just fit my picture,’ he shared.  

Building Technical Skills and Confidence  

Over the course of his apprenticeship, Jack developed technical skills and hands-on experience that laid the foundation for his current role. ‘As an engineer, I’ve come on a fair bit,’ he explains. ‘Understanding how things work, learning to diagnose faults, service machines, and carry out different tests has been key.’ Today, in his role as Service Engineer, he applies those skills daily – from diagnosing faults and stripping down machinery to servicing equipment and identifying and sourcing the correct parts for repairs.  

A key factor in Jack’s professional growth at Scot Agri was the support system around him. ‘Having a good supervisor and experienced mechanics to guide you makes a huge difference,’ he says. ‘The courses and training provided at Scot Agri also helped me progress a lot.’  

One challenge Jack faced throughout his apprenticeship was overcoming his natural quietness and building confidence in communicating with colleagues and customers – something which is second nature now. ‘When I first started, I wasn’t a big talker. But being put in scenarios where I had to communicate helped me improve, and I got a lot better at it.’  

Advice for Aspiring Apprentices  

For those considering applying, Jack offers practical advice: ‘Think carefully before applying. It’s a big challenge. You need to be ready to work hard, be outside in all conditions, and not expect it to be easy. But it’s really rewarding.’  

Looking back, he would tell his younger self: ‘Enjoy it! Although it’s hard work and cold at times, it gets better. You get good opportunities, good pay, and a chance to progress. Stick at it – it’s worth it.’ 

Why Apprenticeships Matter 

Jack sees apprenticeships as a stepping stone, not just within the agricultural industry but for life. ‘You gain so many transferable skills – working with people, problem-solving, and technical knowledge. Even if you choose to move on to a different sector, you can take everything you’ve learned and apply it there.’  

The Scot Agri Experience  

For Jack, Scot Agri has always been a welcoming place. ‘There’s always someone willing to help or have a chat,’ he says. ‘It’s a good place to work!’ 

Jack’s journey from apprentice to engineer shows just how far hard work, mentorship, and hands-on experience can take you. At Scot Agri, we’re proud to help apprentices like Jack build their skills and progress into knowledgeable, confident engineers. Applications for our next apprenticeship intake are now open. If you’re ready to start your own journey and grow your career, head to the Careers section of our website to apply today!