A lesson in opportunity

A careers event in Fort William last week has been hailed as a great success after more than 650 secondary school pupils were shown the wide variety of jobs offered by the aquaculture sector.

Lochaber High School hosted the event, which gave pupils from the school and from Kilchuimen Academy, Mallaig High School, Ardnamurchan High School and Kinlochleven High School an insight into potential career options.

Scott Steele, headteacher at Lochaber High School, said: “The aquaculture event was a fun, fast-paced day filled with valuable insights into this growing sector, which has a significant economic role to play in the Highland region, offering a diverse range of career opportunities.

“With more job openings than potential candidates, the sector provides excellent prospects for promotion and competitive salaries. It’s an exciting industry that not only supports our local economy but also helps retain young talent in the area, ensuring a worthwhile future for our community.

“Our pupils were definitely excited about their prospects.”

Salmon farmers Bakkafrost Scotland and Scottish Sea Farms, and suppliers AKVA and Gael Force were among those who took part in the event, organised by trade body Salmon Scotland, salmon farmer Mowi Scotland, and Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) West Highland. They showcased a range of skilled roles, including technicians, farm assistants, skippers, processors, and business support positions in finance and IT.

Free lunch

Mowi Scotland’s “salmon wagon” treated pupils to a free lunch of either a Scottish salmon fillet in a bun or a salmon noodle salad and donated £900 to Lochaber High School – the equivalent purchase value of meals served.

Salmon Scotland chief executive Tavish Scott said the event showed the “smorgasbord of careers” on offer in the sector and aligned with Lochaber High School’s skills for learning strategy.

“We are grateful to the headteacher and staff Lochaber High School for hosting and all the young people who took part,” said Scott. “We hope we have given the pupils food for thought about a career in salmon farming and hope to welcome some of these young people into our companies in the future.”

Speed networking

Jennifer Grant, programme manager at DYW West Highland, said: “We were happy to hear positive feedback from pupils, teachers, and exhibiting companies throughout the event.

“Most popular with the audience that day was the pace of the speed networking; it was a fantastic way to illustrate the variety of roles and career pathways available in aquaculture and the supply chain industries.

“With the employers in that room, young people were able to ask questions about more than 100 different jobs and roles from the 15 companies that were with us that day.

“At DYW West Highland, we were keen that that day was not a one-off event or the end of the story. The blue economy is a significant part of the business landscape here, so it is important that we continue to highlight these opportunities and employers to the young people in our communities.”