WiSA mentoring scheme is back for 2025
The Women in Scottish Aquaculture (WiSA) Mentoring Programme will be active again in 2025, with today marking the opening of applications for the scheme.
Rural and aquaculture skills body Lantra confirmed today that the mentoring programme will continue to be supported.
Lantra took over as host of WiSA after the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) had to withdraw last year under a new funding arrangement.
The nine-month mentoring programme is facilitated by Skillfluence, Ltd. and provides an opportunity for training and professional development, for both mentees and mentors, with support from a career coach throughout. It aims to connect professionals who are aspiring leaders with experienced mentors from across the aquaculture industry.
Crown Estate Scotland has sponsored the mentoring programme and it is fully funded for participants. The scheme is open to: “Professionals who are passionate, looking to make a difference within the industry, and transition into leadership roles as they grow and develop their careers.”
By fostering mentoring relationships, Lantra says, the scheme will support participants in developing their skills, building their confidence, and navigating career progression within aquaculture.
‘A positive initiative for the industry’
Jill Couto-Phoenix, Head of Aquaculture at Lantra said: “We are pleased to announce the opening of the 2025 aquaculture mentoring programme. This continued investment in skills development for the industry helps to secure a sustainable and innovative future for Scottish aquaculture.”
Anneli Hill, Head of Aquaculture at Crown Estate Scotland, also commented: “As a previous partner in this scheme, I was very pleased to confirm Crown Estate Scotland’s sponsorship of the WiSA mentoring scheme this year. It’s a positive initiative for the industry and provides some great opportunities for more senior professionals within the industry, the chance to offer support to more junior colleagues, as they develop their own careers.”
Teresa Garzon, Chair of the WiSA advisory group said: “We are delighted that the mentoring programme will be active again this year. It is such an important keystone to ensure that the industry continues to grow, giving early career professionals the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills to lead the industry in the future.”
The programme will run through one-to-one sessions between mentees and mentors and requires both participants to be actively engaged with the scheme. Given the various geographies of Scotland, sessions will take place remotely, online. However, participants could choose to meet in-person.
WiSA are looking for applications from both potential mentees, as well as more senior professionals within the industry to be mentors.
To be a mentor:
- You work in the aquaculture sector in Scotland
- You are currently residing in Scotland and are studying or researching an aquaculture-related subject/topic.
- You have 3+ years of experience in the sector
- You can commit to at least nine meetings (either virtual or in-person, as per your preference) with a mentee over nine to ten months.
To be a mentee:
- You work in the aquaculture sector or are studying an aquaculture related field in Scotland
- You have a desire to learn about professional progression and how to grow your network
- You can commit to at least nine meetings (either virtual or in-person, as per your preference) with a mentor over nine to ten months.
Applications, for both Mentee and Mentor, close on 24 February 2025. To apply to the programme now, use the link at www.wisa.scot/mentoringprogramme
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