Taylor McGruther, an SCQF Level 6 Business and Administration Modern Apprentice at Maskame and Tait Ltd, has been nominated for NESCol’s Apprentice of the Year 2025, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to digital transformation and operational excellence within the firm.
Taylor joined Maskame & Tait straight from Mintlaw Academy in July 2023, stepping into a newly created role designed to tackle operational inefficiencies. From day one, she demonstrated remarkable business acumen, initiative, and professionalism well beyond her years, quickly establishing herself as a central figure in driving improvements across administration, finance, and management functions.
“Taylor has been a breath of fresh air for our office. From her first interview right through to today, she has consistently conducted herself in the most professional manner, and been a role model for her peers,” said Scott Maskame, director at Maskame and Tait.
NESCol Lead Assessor June Jones praised Taylor’s unique blend of strategic insight and practical capability, saying: “Taylor displayed a level of initiative and diligence that is rare even among experienced professionals. Her coursework, which included two Level 8 modules, and her operational innovations reflect a deep understanding of business needs.”
Taylor's ability to engage across functional teams - from apprentices in construction to senior trades operatives - has been a key driver of internal collaboration and innovation. She now plays a pivotal role on the firm’s Innovation Team, where she contributes to continuous improvement initiatives aligned with Maskame and Tait’s long-term strategic objectives.
One of Taylor’s signature achievements was spearheading the creation of a QR-code-based workflow system, enabling mobile teams to access, update, and transmit site information in real time - significantly improving operational efficiency while advancing the firm’s sustainability goals through reduced travel and paper use. She now plays a pivotal role on the firm’s Innovation Team, supporting continuous improvement initiatives that align with Maskame and Tait’s long-term strategy.
Looking ahead, Taylor plans to complete the SCQF Level 8 SVQ in Business and Administration and aims to grow into a leadership position as the firm expands.
“Aligning with our goal of continuous improvement, as our company scales and recruits further talent, Taylor will be instrumental in driving these improvements and mentoring the next generation of apprentices,” said Mr. Maskame.