From apprentice toolmaker to ADS Business Development Manager: The Power of Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are the foundation of lifelong careers. In 2022, our sectors supported over 1,500 apprentices in Scotland, helping to develop the next generation of talent.
One of those success stories is our very own Scotland Business Development Manager, Ken Doig, who began his career as an apprentice back in 1976. That experience has helped shape his journey, providing him with the skills, confidence and opportunities to progress.
As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2025, read on as Ken shares his story and outlines the lasting value of apprenticeships in building successful careers.
How long have you been with ADS?
I started with ADS in July 2024. It was definitely a full-on introduction with my first week being at Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2024. FIA 2024 was the perfect opportunity to meet new colleagues and see industry in action.
Can you tell us about your career?
Well! It’s been a long one, I have worked in various roles across different sectors. In 1976 I started out as an apprentice toolmaker, working on the manufacturing of press tools and injection mould tools for a record player manufacturer in central Scotland. Unfortunately, I was made redundant at the end of my apprenticeship because the factory closed down.
It was then I faced a period of unemployment. During the early 1980s manufacturing across central Scotland faced a very tough time and as an inexperienced tradesman places were hard to find.
After a two-year period of being unable to find a toolmaking job, I took the plunge, and to utilise my apprenticeship moved to the South of England, working on a year’s contract for a toolmaking company in Chichester. This allowed me to gain enough experience to return to Scotland and work with Honeywell in their toolroom where they maintained the production mould shop and mould tooling for heating control systems. After this contract finished, I moved back to the South of England and for the next 15 years I worked in a large plastic injection mould making company manufacturing tooling for the leading automotive companies of the time.
In 2001 I took an opportunity to join the defence industry with the Defence Aviation Repair Agency (DARA) and further used the skills gained through my apprenticeship in the Aero Engine maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) sector. While working there I further developed myself professionally and personally by firstly becoming a production manager and then moving into Business Development, PR and Marketing and even graduating with a Level 6 Diploma in Marketing with the Chartered Institute of Marketing. This allowed me to became heavily involved with the marketing and promotion of the company who took over DARA, Vector Aerospace (now Standard Aero).
In 2017 I moved on, working with a high-end Automotive composite company (Formaplex) introducing them to the aerospace and defence sectors. I also had an experience working with Safran Helicopter Engines before moving to the Products and Training part of Maritime Services within BAE Systems. After a five-year tenure, I moved to ADS and I am enjoying working with our members, some of the most driven people in the industry. With the innovation, diversity and opportunities in our sectors, it is great to be a part of it and although it may sound a bit cheesy it’s great to be able to give something back to an industry which has treated me well over many years.
What inspired you to pursue an apprenticeship?
Growing up in central Scotland an apprenticeship was very sought after. I wasn’t the most academic at school, so this route gave me a great opportunity; a way to progress. My parents always emphasised “get a trade behind you, it will give you something to fall back on”, very true words indeed.
How do you feel an apprenticeship has benefited your career in the long run?
I believe my apprenticeship gave me a tremendous grounding for my career. Working alongside experienced individuals who were willing to help me allowed me to learn so many hands-on skills. It also helped develop my people skills and gain an understanding of the nature of a workplace. It helped me realise the true value of the all roles across an organisation, something I value to this day.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship in ADS' sectors?
If you get the opportunity grab it! No matter what the apprenticeship is, be it mechanical, electrical or the more modern apprenticeships e.g. logistics/retail. You should take the opportunity to earn while you learn, use it as a foothold to grow from. Many people I know and have met throughout my career started as apprentices, many of them continue working “on the tools” and have made a good living, others moved onto become company founders and CEOs. I don’t believe many of us foresaw the opportunities that would come. An apprenticeship can set you off on a fantastic career.
What standout moments are there from your apprenticeship and career?
Looking back there are so many standout moments including the people that I have met throughout my career and the opportunities to travel across most of Europe, North America and Canada. I don’t believe I would have got these without an apprenticeship. The skills I have learnt in different roles were all helped by the grounding I received during my apprenticeship. I was also lucky enough to spend three years of my career working alongside the Royal Air Force (RAF) base in Odiham on Chinooks, another great learning experience around teamwork and people. Other standouts include looking at things I have been involved in the manufacturing of. As I mentioned, it would have to be the people I have worked with and who have passed on their skills to myself and others – they are a big highlight of my apprenticeship and career.
Reach out to Ken here – ken.doig@adsgroup.org.uk.
