SGOIL LIONACLEIT PUPILS GET A TASTE OF SALMON SECTOR CAREERS

Inquisitive youngsters have been given a unique opportunity to explore the diverse careers available in Scotland’s aquaculture sector.

Bakkafrost Scotland visited Sgoil Lionacleit on the Isle of Benbecula and Lochgilphead High School to provide pupils insight into the salmon life cycle and what is takes to be part of the team behind the UK’s largest food export.

From demonstrations of remote feed systems to insight into the hatchery and even tasting samples, the students enjoyed inspiring introductory sessions designed to spark curiosity and ambition.

Bakkafrost Scotland has more than 400 employees across 45 sites on the West Coast of Scotland, the Hebridean Islands and its Edinburgh head office – bringing long term, quality employment to remote and rural coastal communities.

Managing Director Ian Laister said: “These events are essential to attract and inspire the workforce of the future. They allow us to showcase the abundance of career opportunities within aquaculture and reinforce our commitment to the communities in which we live and work.”

On Thursday 13 November a Bakkafrost Scotland team travelled to Sgoil Lionacleit to showcase the different careers available to S1- S6 pupils.

Broodstock Manager Charlotte Barr and Area Manager Robert Currie arranged demonstrations for the pupils including counting and packing salmon eggs.

Each year group had tailored sessions designed to prepare pupils for the world of work, depending at what stage they have reached on that journey. The team also highlighted the work experience programme that is on offer every year

Charlotte said: “It’s great to be able to engage with the young people in our communities and share with them our passion for rearing Scottish salmon.

“Providing employment opportunities for young people enables them to stay in the remote and rural communities they have grown up in. Visiting schools and sparking pupils’ curiosity for the sector is vital in making aquaculture careers more accessible to them.”

Around 400 Lochgilphead High School S4 to S6 pupils attended the career event on Tuesday 11 November.

Craig Johnstone, Marine Site Manager in Gigha, was on hand to discuss different parts of the sector. Pupils were put through their paces by going head-to-head taking part in a PPE challenge, racing to see who could get dressed into lifejacket, waterproofs and wellies the fastest.

The Lochgilphead visit also featured a presentation by seafood enthusiast and educator Catriona Frankitti, who shared insights into health benefits of eating fish, and offered samples for the pupils to taste.

Image: BAKKAFROST Scotland