NEW SVQ AQUACULTURE MANAGEMENT QUALIFICATION SUPPORTS SCOTLAND’S GROWING FISH FARMING SECTOR

New SVQ Aquaculture Management Qualification supports Scotland’s growing fish farming sector. UHI North, West and Hebrides is now able to support fish farming employers across Scotland to upskill their supervisory and management staff through the new SVQ Aquaculture Management (SCQF Level 9) qualification.

As Scotland’s aquaculture industry continues to grow, the need for skilled managers has never been greater. This nationally recognised, work-based programme has been specifically developed in partnership with the Sector Skills Council, Lantra and industry leaders to meet the evolving needs of the aquaculture sector and is now available through UHI North, West and Hebrides.

The programme typically takes up to two years to complete on a parttime basis, with structured support from experienced assessors, and access to the college’s online learning environment. There is no cost to candidate or employer (with the exception of candidates over 25, where there is an employer contribution of £500).

Designed for experienced staff, already working in freshwater or marine operations, the qualification offers flexible, workplace based training that allows employees to develop advanced management capabilities without extended time away from their sites thereby ensuring relevance, minimal disruption, and immediate application of skills.

The qualification offers a clear development route for supervisors, senior technicians, and emerging leaders who already hold SVQ Levels 2 or 3 in Aquaculture, or who have gained experience through sector relevant roles.

Industry-aligned training for operational impact

The SVQ covers a comprehensive range of management competencies essential to modern aquaculture, including:

• Managing the aquatic production environment for farmed fish and shellfish

• Overseeing production for sale or transfer, ensuring compliance and quality

• Planning and managing fish feeding regimes

• Developing and implementing site fish health plans

• Managing hatchery production

• Ensuring robust containment procedures and safe working environments

These modules directly support the operational challenges employers face, from stock health and welfare to environmental management and workforce safety.

Donald Waring, Learning and Development Manager, MOWI welcomed the fact that this new qualification is now available through UH North, West and Hebrides:

“Aquaculture is one of Scotland’s key industries and we are finding that we now have more staff wanting to progress to management level and are delighted that there is now a local option for doing this.

The fact that UHI North, West and Hebrides is now offering the SCQF 9 in Aquaculture management provides for clear career progression in the industry and encourages both employee retention and new hires.”

Benefits for Employers

Fish farming businesses choosing to support staff through this qualification can expect:

• Stronger site-level leadership through enhanced management knowledge and decision-making

• Greater staff retention and progression, strengthening long-term workforce capability

• Higher consistency in production standards, aligned with National Occupational Standards

• Improved compliance, with training structured around industry best practice and regulatory expectations

Because assessment is conducted on-site, employees build their competence while continuing their day-to-day responsibilities, removing barriers that often prevent staff from pursuing further development.

Find Out More

With flexible start dates throughout the year, employers who might be  interested in supporting staff through the SVQ Aquaculture Management  (SCQF Level 9) qualification by contacting us at: workbasedlearning.nwh@uhi.ac.uk

Image: ©Fish Focus