Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2026 - Former Student Spotlight
As the College marks Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2026, we’re putting the spotlight on some of our former student apprentices who have went on to enjoy great success in their careers.
Kieran Wight, who was just 15-years-old when he walked through the doors of the Milton Road Campus for the first time, is the founder and co-director of his own award-winning catering business, East Coast Catering.
Kieran’s business has gone from strength to strength, and he’s helped cater a host of high-profile events attended by VIPs, and even royalty.
During his time at the College, Kieran undertook a Modern Apprenticeship in Professional Cookery and Management, and was even named Elior UK’s Apprentice of the Year.
He says it was one of the best decisions of his life:
“What really drew me to the apprenticeship with Edinburgh College was the opportunity to learn in a real working environment while gaining a recognised qualification. I’ve always preferred hands-on learning, and catering is a practical industry where experience is just as important as theory. The apprenticeship gave me the chance to develop skills in a professional kitchen, understand industry standards, and build confidence early on.
“The scheme played a huge role in shaping my career. It allowed me to build a strong foundation in culinary techniques, time management, teamwork, and working under pressure. Because I was learning while working, I gained real industry insight that you can’t get from a classroom alone. That experience helped me progress within Elior and laterally into East Coast Catering and prepared me for the fast-paced nature of professional catering.
“I’d strongly recommend an apprenticeship to anyone looking to start a career, especially in a hands-on field like catering. It gives you practical experience, industry knowledge, and a head start in building professional connections. You’re not only learning the skills needed for the job, but also gaining confidence and understanding what employers expect, which is invaluable when starting out.”
You can learn more about the different types of apprenticeships on offer at Edinburgh College here.