Education, Training and Skills Development in Aquaculture

Short Courses

Short courses

Delivery locations and methods vary to suit business needs.

Full tutor support is provided for online courses.

Apprenticeships in Aquaculture - Training in the Workplace

Apprenticeships provide practical, ‘on-the-job’ training and skills development for aquaculture staff at all levels, leading to nationally recognised qualifications. They are relevant to a range of different types of aquaculture, including both fish and shellfish farming.

• Modern Apprenticeship in Aquaculture (SCQF Level 5) - for new and less-experienced staff.
• Modern Apprenticeship in Aquaculture (SCQF Level 7) - for more experienced staff.
• Technical Apprenticeship in Aquaculture Management (SCQF Level 9) - for senior staff and managers.

Level 2 and 3 MAs are designed by the finfish and shellfish farming industries and are aimed at those carrying out daily husbandry duties on either a freshwater or marine site. These MAs can be used as part of a progression plan within an individual’s place of work and is particularly useful for those without any formal qualifications in aquaculture. The MA provides an opportunity to demonstrate skills and be recognised for these achievements.

The Level 4 MA course is aimed at experienced, senior-level fish farm staff such as managers or assistant site managers. At the end of the course the student will be competent at a broad range of management activities, many of them complex and non-routine, and be able to demonstrate considerable autonomy and responsibility including the management and supervision of other employees. It runs at SCQF level 9, so equivalent to a Higher national Diploma.

While it is normal to progress through the levels, you may be able to enter directly at a higher level if you have relevant experience and/or previous qualifications.

Most training and assessments are workplace-based, but some training at the College. The Technical Apprenticeship (level 9) makes extensive use of self-study via online distance-learning.

Professional Development and Degree Programmes

Postgraduate Courses

Bespoke and Flexible Training Programmes

We aim to be responsive to the needs of the aquaculture industry and we often work directly with companies to develop and deliver bespoke training programmes to meet their specific needs

Working with Schools - National Progression Award in Aquaculture

The National Progression Award (NPA) in Aquaculture provides opportunities for secondary school pupils to develop the necessary skills for a future career within the salmon farming industry. Set at SCQF levels 4 and 5, the Award takes a very practical and vocational approach with much of the delivery taking place, where possible, at aquaculture sites.