Fresh course launched by Shetland college

The NAFC Marine Centre, part of the University of the Highlands & Islands (UHI), will be running the technical apprenticeship, which aims to provide experienced aquaculture staff with the opportunity to gain a qualification in senior management while still working in the industry. The training programme will require up to 24 months of study by online distance learning, allowing flexibility to fit with candidates' work and other responsibilities.

The programme, which was developed by staff at the NAFC in response to demand from the Scottish aquaculture industry, has been approved by the Scottish Qualifications Agency and is certificated by Lantra. It has also been approved for funding from Skills Development Scotland.

Course leader Stuart Fitzsimmons said that: “Following the successful introduction of our Modern Apprenticeships in aquaculture for new and experienced fish farm staff, we have had a lot of interest from aquaculture companies in a training programme for their managers. This new programme has been designed to meet that need and will allow aquaculture managers to gain a management qualification while working in the industry, and building on their existing knowledge, experience, and skills.”

On successful completion of the programme candidates will receive a Scottish Vocational Qualification at level 4 (SCQF Level 9), equivalent to an Ordinary Degree, and a Modern Apprenticeship.

The NAFC Marine Centre currently has 32 students throughout Scotland enrolled on its Level 2 and 3 Modern Apprenticeships in Aquaculture, and more than 150 students have previously completed these programmes.

Full details of the new Aquaculture Management programme are available on the NAFC website, and students can enrol and start at any time. Further information is available from Stuart Fitzsimmons (stuart.fitzsimmons@uhi.ac.uk), tel. 01595 772103.