Blair
Modern ApprenticeMechanical Engineering
Blair Munro used a Modern Apprenticeship to switch from events management into engineering – his dream career!
Blair's journey
Although both his parents worked in hospitality, Blair grew up with a keen interest in mechanics. So, it’s perhaps no surprise that he was perfectly suited to a Mechanical Engineering Modern Apprenticeship with a leading drinks company.
It took a little time for Blair to discover his dream role. After school, the 24-year-old studied an events management course at college. Once he spotted the Modern Apprenticeship vacancy with Diageo, he knew it was the ideal next step in his career.
Blair said, ‘My passion for engineering was sparked by curiosity for how machines work, starting with cars. I loved that I was constantly learning new things, so I knew it was a dream career for me.'
Blair's apprenticeship
Blair’s Modern Apprenticeship at Diageo has cracked open lots of new opportunities for him! Arriving as a keen apprentice, he’s now a qualified mechanical engineer who oversees critical operations within the company.
Fife-based Blair didn’t just impress his colleagues within Diageo. He was crowned as European Spirits Apprentice of the Year for his key role in facilitating large-scale projects worth more than £850,000.
The Modern Apprentice also developed a Condition-Based Monitoring (CBM) route that tracks air leaks and saves on production costs.
Blair’s achievements were possible thanks to a combination of practical learning at Diageo and technical knowledge gained from time spent at Fife College as part of his Modern Apprenticeship.
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Apprenticeships allow people to grow as individuals. Working at Diageo has helped me realise my full potential.
Blair
Modern Apprentice, Mechanical Engineering
The future
Blair’s Modern Apprenticeship has enabled him to lay the foundations of a successful career in engineering.
In 2025, his outstanding work was celebrated at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards. The former Bell Baxter High School pupil made it to the final of the Modern Apprentice of the Year SCQF Level 6+ category.
Now, Blair plays an active role in supporting Diageo’s next generation of apprentices. Keen to take on leadership positions in the future, Blair gains valuable experience by mentoring the company’s new apprentices.
Diageo Capability Manager Rhoda Gabellone said, ‘Blair’s a role model for newer apprentices. He’s a proactive individual who asks insightful questions and builds strong working relationships.’
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