Perspectives

Coffee with Kai: celebrating Scottish Apprenticeship Week

Commercial lead & data analyst Kai gives us a peek behind the office doors…

In this special Scottish Apprenticeship Week edition, Kai looks at why he chose a Graduate Apprenticeship and how it’s shaping his career.

Kai Henderson originally started as our digital marketer and has since moved through a junior risk consultant role to become commercial lead & data analyst. Alongside his work at Marex, he is studying for a graduate apprenticeship in data science – and developing his taste for caffeine.

It’s Scottish Apprenticeship Week, which aims to show apprenticeships are Made for Business.

There are around 12,000 apprentice employers in Scotland Marex is one of them – and it employs me!

Marex is investing in apprenticeships to find the skills and talent it needs to support and sustain its business. As I have first-hand experience, I thought I’d share what my journey has been like from the apprentice side – hopefully to inspire others to take one on as well as encourage other employers to boost their workforce’s skills.

First steps

As a teenager without much idea of what I wanted to do when I left school, I followed the path of my interests - tech and data.

Knowing I was so close to Aberdeen, the oil and gas capital of Europe I had my interests in it, however I had briefly heard (from my dad) about renewables and how it would be the future.

I remember thinking, “if I could combine all three that would be perfect”.

Well it’s fair to say I had no clue what that would look like or how I would get there. I didn’t like the thought of going to university initially as I didn’t just want to study. I liked the sound of gaining real world experience. I wasn’t the best at exams at school and found I learned better when I got the theory and then put my learning into practice.

Following my interests - which I encourage everyone to do! - I started a Modern Apprenticeship in digital marketing, working for a company doing their social media.

Then Covid hit and there was less work for me to do. I ramped up my studying and the good thing was I could work at my own pace. So I told my mentor I wanted to get it completed more quickly. Over the space of two years, I completed 3 SCQF Diplomas: digital marketing level 6, creative media level 7 and data analytics level 8.

I gained a good basic understanding for these industries but data analytics was my favourite.

I knew I wanted to continue my learning into the data analytics industry. I looked at options and this is where I came across the Graduate Apprenticeship at Robert Gordon University (a BSc (Hons) in Data Science). It was perfect to continue the same type of learning and work I was doing with my Modern Apprenticeship.

And what was in it for Marex?

They’re investing in future skills and capabilities - the qualification is designed around the needs of business and industry
They can shape their workforce in line with business demands
And they get me in the workforce (this should probably be at the top of list of reasons)

Real-world experience from day one

One of the most compelling reasons behind why I opted for an apprenticeship was the opportunity to immerse myself in a professional environment right from the start.

Being around the Marex team, learning from the experience in the oil and gas sector, being in meetings, presenting in meetings, having meetings with clients and building up my network of relationships through LinkedIn has been invaluable and it’s unlikely I would have gained that experience if I was just studying at university.

In the first couple of years, it was a little difficult to relate what I was learning at university to Marex. I knew this would be the case before I started university, as Marex has never had a data capability. The plan behind my degree was to bring this data capability into Marex and enable us to be a market leader in the future of marine and risk management.

Personal and professional growth

The challenges I’ve encountered along the way have pushed me to develop not only my technical expertise but also other essential skills—communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.

Balancing work, study, and personal life has taught me time management and resilience, qualities that will serve me well throughout my career. With the Marex head office being situated at Neo Space in Aberdeen, the environment has let me to build my professional network with key individuals.

My experience is a testament to the benefits of this career pathway. It has equipped me with skills and the mindset to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.

As I continue my apprenticeship journey, I’m excited about the future. I am confident that the skills I am acquiring, combined with the professional experience, will not just enhance my career prospects but also enable me to contribute meaningfully to the energy sector’s ongoing evolution—especially as we move towards a more sustainable and data-driven future.

To anyone considering a Graduate Apprenticeship, my advice is simple: follow your interests, and try to combine that with future industry opportunities. It’s a pathway that provides practical skills, real-world experience and a solid foundation for a successful career.

Happy Scottish Apprenticeship Week!

PS I am still drinking flat whites. If you ever fancy joining me for a coffee let me know.

Perspectives