A sea of opportunity for the next generation - Salmon Scotland

School success

To help pupils understand the opportunities available in coastal areas, Salmon Scotland runs a long-established schools programme, giving young people a first-hand look at careers in aquaculture.

Thousands of pupils have attended careers events at schools across the Highlands and islands, including Campbeltown Grammar, Lochgilphead Joint Campus and Portree High School.

Organised with regional Developing the Young Workforce organisations, the events bring together employers and training providers such as Mowi Scotland, Bakkafrost, Scottish Sea Farms, AKVA Group Scotland, BioMar, Hendrix Genetics, Seaweed Scotland, Inverlussa Marine Services, Pharmaq, MoRov and Ferguson Transport.

Other participants include the University of the Highlands and Islands, Lantra, the Roslin Institute and the Scottish Association for Marine Science. 

Activities range from live fish-feeding demonstrations and a “Salmon on Ice” stand where pupils learn to check fish health, to “fishy forensics” sessions showing how biology and veterinary science keep fish healthy.

Pupils can also explore aquaculture technology, testing underwater cameras, control boxes and robotics equipment, and see how digital tools support daily farm operations.

Bringing the lab to the classroom

After a recent careers event at Campbeltown Grammar, depute headteacher Liz Thomson said it gave pupils “a valuable opportunity to see how the subjects they study in class from biology to digital technology, apply directly to high-value careers right here in the heart of our community” and “inspired the next generation of scientists, engineers and farmers”.

She added: “It was a pleasure to see our hall buzzing with energy as pupils explored everything from marine science to the technology behind modern aquaculture.

“For many of our students, this event was a real eye-opener to the diversity of the salmon sector.”

Suzanne Thomson, DYW co-ordinator for Campbeltown, Islay and Tarbert, said: “Many local aquaculture employers offer modern and graduate apprenticeships so our young people can earn while they learn without having to leave the area full-time to go to university which in turn helps retain the population whilst building the local economy.”

With many roles based in small coastal towns and island communities, the sector helps keep young people in the area, offering skilled employment without the need to move away permanently for work.

Ready to dive in?

Scottish salmon exports hit £828 million in 2025 and it retained its position as the UK’s most popular fish, with retail sales reaching £1.5 billion last year.

The sector continues to recruit at all levels, including apprenticeships, trainee positions and senior roles. For the next generation of west coast talent, the message is clear: you can build a skilled, well-paid career right here on your doorstep.

A sea of opportunity for the next generation Scotland’s salmon sector is thriving and offers real opportunity for young people growing up on the west coast, with a wide range of rewarding, well-paid careers available close to home.

For more information on Scotland’s salmon industry, visit www.salmonscotland.co.uk