MOWI Apprentices Thriving in their New Careers
Amelia, Alasdair, Neil and Nicola joined the Mowi Scotland team to support Mowi’s new farm, Stulaigh South, in Uist. Starting their apprenticeships in June 2025, followed by a National Progression Award (NPA) in Aquaculture in December, Amelia, Alasdair, Neil and Nicola have been busy learning skills ahead of the first fish being stocked at Stulaigh South.
We asked them how they are getting on six months into their apprenticeships.
Which farm location are you based at?
Amelia: Split between Skipport and Lochboisdale while Skipport is fallow.
Alasdair: Gassay, Lochboisdale.
Neil: Cheesebay, North Uist.
Nicola: Lochboisdale, Stulaigh and Marulaig.
Highlight(s) of your apprenticeship so far?
Amelia: Getting to learn new skills and getting to be outdoors.
Alasdair: Being able to learn more about fish farming.
Neil: Trip to Fort William and Skye to see other parts of the business and meet other members of the Mowi team.
Nicola: Being involved in a harvest, end of cycle and then helping with and learning the new set up for the beginning of the next cycle. Seeing the smolts being emptied into the pen and how small they were!
What has surprised you about your apprenticeship that you didn’t know or consider before joining Mowi?
Amelia: How much responsibility and opportunities you can have.
Alasdair: The amount of responsibility that goes into fish farming.
Neil: That there would be travelling opportunities involved in the apprenticeship.
Nicola: The scale of the operation. There are so many teams and processes involved in the whole cycle. I’m pleasantly surprised by how supportive everyone is at our base and wider.
What are you looking forward to most?
Amelia: One of the things that I was looking forward to was learning how to handle the boats. I have now completed my power boat level 2 course which I really enjoyed.
Alasdair: Finishing my apprenticeship.
Neil: Finishing the apprenticeship and gaining the qualifications.
Nicola: I’m looking forward to the end of this cycle and seeing what size the fish grow to and being involved in their growth.
What would you say to others who are thinking of aquaculture as a career but not 100% sure?
Amelia: I would recommend going for it. All your days are different and there are many opportunities to learn new skills.
Alasdair: I would brief them about what is included in the job and tell them it is a good choice.
Neil: There are many opportunities, check out the website for more information.
Nicola: I would say if you enjoy being in the outdoors in all weathers, midges to rain, then you’ll enjoy it. No day is the same. Definitely do it if you like being active and working as part of a team.
Opportunities for Apprentice Farm Technicians Now Available in Carradale, Argyll
Visit: mowi.com/uk/people
Closing Date: 12th April
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