As you finish school, you’re standing on the edge of a new chapter, looking out at a sea of possibilities. For those living in the coastal communities of Scotland, one of those possibilities is floating right in the beautiful lochs on your doorstep - a career in aquaculture.
While working on the water is a key part of the industry, the range of jobs available might surprise you. Aquaculture is a complex business that needs people with all kinds of skills and interests, and, importantly, year round jobs consistently pay well above the national average salary.
On the water
If you love the outdoors and don’t want to be stuck behind a desk, a job on a fish farm could be perfect. As aFarm Technician or Aquaculture Operative, your daily routine is anything but routine. You could be operating feeding systems using advanced software, monitoring fish health with underwater cameras or carrying out environmental checks to ensure the welfare of the fish and the local ecosystem. You would be working as part of a close-knit team against the backdrop of some of Scotland’s most epic scenery.
On the shore
If you prefer dry land, there are vital roles that keep the industry moving forward. Are you into biology or environmental science? You could be a Fish Health Biologist or a Lab Technician, analysing water samples and ensuring fish are thriving. Good with your hands or interested in how things work?Maintenance Engineers are crucial for keeping the sophisticated equipment, from boats to automated feeders, in top condition.
And the journey doesn’t end at the farm. The industry needs people in processing, logistics, sales, marketing and HR to get the final product to customers around the world.
So, what makes aquaculture a smart choice for your future? This isn’t a temporary gig. Scottish salmon is a world-renowned premium product. As Scotland’s number one food export by value, the industry is a cornerstone of the economy, offering stable, year round employment in rural communities. You’ll be part of an industry focused on sustainable food production. Your work will contribute to feeding the planet responsibly, a mission you can be truly proud of.
Also, companies invest heavily in their staff , offering clear pathways for promotion from a trainee technician right up to a farm manager or a senior specialist.
Ready to take the plunge?
Modern apprenticeships:Look on websites like Skills Development Scotland or directly on the careers pages of major aquaculture companies like Mowi, Bakkafrost or Scottish Sea Farms. You’ll get paid to learn, developing vital skills and knowledge from entry-level (SCQF Level 5) right up to senior technician or supervisor positions (SCQF Level 7). Once you’ve completed the Aquaculture Production Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 7, you could go further with an SVQ in Aquaculture Management at SCQF Level 9.
College courses: The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and other colleges offer courses in Aquaculture, Marine Science and related fields that can give you a theoretical and practical foundation.
Direct entry: Keep an eye out for trainee positions. Companies are always looking for enthusiastic, reliable young people who are eager to learn and have a strong work ethic.
Your future career might not be in a distant city office block. It could be right here, on the water, in a lab or in a workshop. It’s a chance to build a rewarding life and career in the community you call home. So, why not dive in and see where it takes you?
Start exploring here:
www.bakkafrostscotland.com/careers
scottishseafarms.com/careers/currentvacancies/
www.uhi.ac.uk/en/research-enterprise/res-themes/mese/aquaculture/educationtraining-skills/
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