Recognising his potential, Krystian and his employer, Aberdeen Laundry Services, decided a Modern Apprenticeship was the best pathway to develop his skills and knowledge. Two years later, and Krystian was named Apprentice of the Year at NESCol‘s graduation for his dedication and outstanding progress.

Krystian Surdel (38) is originally from Poland. In his home country, he studied logistics and was a transport manager for a manufacturing company that exported products across Europe.

Encouraged by a friend, Krystian moved to Scotland in 2013 at the age of 25 in search of a better life.

He said, “I quickly realised that it was not going to be as easy as I had expected. Without being able to speak English, I couldn’t work in the area I had studied and gained experience in – but I didn’t want to return to Poland and feel like I had failed.”

Krystian secured a role in a slaughterhouse, and within a year, had progressed to the distribution department and gained forklift and reach truck qualifications.

He later became a self-employed courier, using the flexibility to study English part-time at NESCol and learn programming, which led him to launch his own web design business.

A career in transport and logistics

Krystian ran his business for two years before deciding it was time for a new direction. Drawing on his experience in transport and logistics, he upgraded his driving licence to Category C.

He said, “Driving had been a large part of my working life in Scotland so I felt this would give me the best opportunity to find stable employment.”

Now qualified to drive HGVs, Krystian secured a role with Aberdeen Laundry Services in November 2023.

Choosing a Modern Apprenticeship

After a year, Krystian was keen to take the next step in his career and move into a management position. This meant he needed to achieve the Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), which involves passing a challenging exam.

He said, “Aberdeen Laundry Services supported my ambitions and began preparing me for a future role as a transport manager.

“Together with my mentor, we agreed that it was too early to move straight to the qualification. First, I needed to build a much broader understanding of transport operations and how these fit into the wider business.

“This led us to the Logistics Operations Modern Apprenticeship, which closely matched the responsibilities and areas of transport and logistics I was already beginning to learn about in my role.”

Apprenticeship highlights

In September 2024, Krystian started the SCQF Level 7 Modern Apprenticeship in Logistics Operations through NESCol.

As his apprenticeship progressed, so did his role, with Krystian taking on responsibility for the day-to-day running of the transport team, including drivers and a fleet of around 30 vehicles.

One of his highlights was gaining insight into areas of the business beyond the transport department.

He said, “The different modules encouraged me to speak to people, ask questions and find out how different parts of the business operate. This gave me a better understanding of the structure of the organisation and how everything connects.

“Without the Modern Apprenticeship, it would have taken me many years to gain this level of knowledge – if I ever learned it at all! It also gave me a strong foundation for my future development as a manager.”

Apprenticeship support

Krystian praised the support he received from both Aberdeen Laundry Services and NESCol.

He said, “My College assessor supported me at every step of my apprenticeship and was always available when I had questions or needed guidance.

“My employer not only gave me the opportunity to complete the apprenticeship, but also the opportunity to progress within the company and undertake other training. I have not experienced this level of support from any other company I have worked for in Scotland.

“I always felt I could approach people for support and that the company was genuinely interested in helping me develop.”

Next steps

Krystian successfully completed his apprenticeship and graduated from NESCol in October. His hard work, dedication and exceptional performance were recognised at the ceremony, where he was named Apprentice of the Year.

Despite his recent achievements, Krystian is already looking ahead to the next stage of his career.

He said, “I will soon be taking my Transport Manager CPC exams. It’s been a long time of studying alongside working but I am still hungry to gain more knowledge, learn new things and develop myself.”

Krystian’s advice

Krystian’s advice to other apprentices is to make the most out of your apprenticeship opportunity.

He explained, “Ask questions, be curious and be diligent. Do not treat your apprenticeship as something you simply have to complete, pass and then forget about – treat it as an opportunity to develop.

“I would recommend a Modern Apprenticeship without hesitation and with complete confidence. The learning process helps you develop both your knowledge and practical understanding of your profession.”

Study a Modern Apprenticeship

A Modern Apprenticeship is an excellent way to gain qualifications, develop your skills and improve your career prospects while earning a wage.

Find out more about Modern Apprenticeships