School students find out about salmon opportunities

More than 650 pupils from Lochaber in the Scottish Highlands attended an event showcasing the wide range of local jobs in the salmon sector, helping ensure the industry can develop the next generation of talent.

The careers event at Lochaber High School on Wednesday, October 2, allowed local secondary school pupils to meet aquaculture professionals, learn about farm-raised salmon, and explore career options.

Scottish salmon directly supports 1,000 jobs in the north-west Highlands, with many more in the supply chain, generating £224m a year for the local economy.

The event was part of an ongoing series designed to highlight employment opportunities in the expanding sector.

Local employers Bakkafrost Scotland, Scottish Sea Farms, AKVA and Gael Force took part in the event, organised by Salmon Scotland, Mowi Scotland, and Developing the Young Workforce West Highland.

The pupils learned about a range of well-paid and skilled job roles, including technicians, farm assistants, skippers, processors, and business support positions in finance and IT.

The popular Mowi Scotland salmon wagon treated pupils to a delicious free lunch, offering a choice between a Scottish salmon fillet in a bun or a salmon noodle salad, and in the process raised a massive £900 for Lochaber High School – the equivalent purchase value of meals served.

A tanker from local logistics company Ferguson Transport was parked on the school grounds, highlighting the type of vehicles used to transport fish to and from farms.

Other interactive activities included a live feed to a farm giving the students the opportunity to see how feeding can be carried out remotely and the game “I am MOWI”, which guides students through their interests to suggest a career path in aquaculture.

Bakkafrost Scotland stand at the Lochaber School careers event

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.”

Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: “We are grateful to the headteacher and staff Lochaber High School for hosting and all the young people who took part.

“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.”