Aquaculture
Modern Apprenticeship
What's Aquaculture like?
Aquaculture involves the production of fin fish and shellfish such as tuna, halibut, mussels and scallops. Scotland has a thriving aquaculture industry, with many facilities located on the west coast. The sector is growing at a steady rate and there’s a need for people with specialist knowledge. Learn how to survive at sea and develop skills that could help you work on a ship.
The apprenticeship will teach you different skills, such as the safe handling of different species of fish and how to manage seafood in an ethical way.
You’ll gain a qualification in Aquaculture at either SCQF Level 5 or 7. For both qualifications, you’ll study the following:
Aquaculture: Fin Fish
Aquaculture: Shellfish
Both apprenticeships include work experience.
> SCQF qualification levels explained
Your qualification includes:
Aquaculture: Fin Fish at SCQF Level 5
Aquaculture: Shellfish at SCQF Level 5
Aquaculture: Fin Fish at SCQF Level 7
Aquaculture: Shellfish at SCQF Level 7
As part of your work, you’ll learn about:
sea survival techniques
first-aid training on a boat
food hygiene
fish health
fish farming
fin fish containment
You’ll also develop the following core skills:
communication
working with others
problem-solving
time management
These transferable skills can be used for different roles, such as farming and ship work.
This Modern Apprenticeship provides different options. Choose to continue your studies with a relevant aquaculture degree or go into full time work.
Further education: Further your studies by working towards a BA or masters in aquaculture. Your experience will support your university application.
Straight to work: Use your qualifications to help you get a job in the industry. You’ll be qualified to work in different locations and be able travel on the ocean. Some of the jobs include:
fin fish production
shellfish production
fish husbandry
farm work
marine operative
ship equipment operative
deckhand
Entry requirements
There are no set requirements for this apprenticeship.
How does it work?
You’ll learn in a real-world environment and earn a wage. You’ll also study with a college or another learning provider.
How long will it take?
This Modern Apprenticeship will take between 12 and 24 months to complete.
How to apply
Use the 'Find vacancies near you' search at the end of this page to look for vacancies, then you can apply online.
You'll apply on Apprenticeships.scot or the company’s own website – there are details on the vacancy advert.