Exploring Career Opportunities in Salmon Farming: Plockton Pupils Engage with Sea2Me Program

Plockton High School students are set to dive into the world of salmon farming, gaining insights into the diverse career opportunities within this dynamic sector. This initiative is part of a unique program aimed at demonstrating how salmon is cultivated and its significant role in global food supply—all from their local surroundings.

A Hands-On Learning Experience

Approximately 45 secondary pupils will embark on an immersive learning journey designed as a coastal counterpart to the well-known Hill-to-Grill initiative. They will explore the salmon lifecycle and the crucial freshwater farming phase, visiting seawater farms at Loch Duich and Ardintoul.

Behind-the-Scenes Insights

The groundbreaking Sea2Me program promises students a comprehensive understanding of the salmon supply chain, from egg to plate. This experience emphasizes various roles available in the industry, including positions for farm technicians, fish health specialists, and environmental managers.

Masterchef Meets Dragons’ Den

The week-long program will culminate in an innovative challenge reminiscent of “Masterchef” fused with “Dragons’ Den.” Students will design a salmon dish alongside a marketing plan, with guidance from the New Product Development team at Mowi Consumer Products, headquartered in Rosyth, home to one of the UK’s largest salmon processing plants.

Collaborative Efforts for Community Engagement

Scheduled for late April, Sea2Me has been meticulously developed by Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) West Highland in partnership with Salmon Scotland and global leader Mowi. This initiative also receives support from Kishorn Port Ltd and Lantra Scotland. The primary goal is straightforward: by taking students out of the conventional classroom setting, they can explore local businesses and the myriad career options available both now and in the future.

The Economic Impact of Salmon Farming

Salmon farming contributes significantly to the local and national economy, employing around 2,500 individuals across more than 100 different job roles, with an additional 10,000 jobs depending on the sector. In the regions of Skye, Lochaber, and Badenoch, the industry bolsters the economy by £119 million, offering direct employment to 440 people while supporting another 410 local businesses.

Attractive Career Prospects

The average salary within the salmon farming sector stands at £36,000, which exceeds the Scottish national average. With positions available for everyone from school leavers to those holding PhDs, there are openings in various roles, including hatchery technicians, skippers, logistics personnel, farming assistants, engineers, veterinarians, environmental managers, and fish health experts.

A Flourishing Industry

In 2024, Scottish salmon exports reached a record-breaking £844 million, with France, the USA, and China being the top three destinations among over 50 countries.

Words from Program Leaders

“The Sea2Me program is designed to illuminate the extensive career opportunities present in the West Highlands for students and their mentors,” shared Jennifer Grant, program manager at DYW West Highland. “By engaging with various rural sector companies, students gain critical practical insights that enhance their learning experience.”

Sarah Ralston, HR manager at Mowi Scotland, emphasized the project’s value: “Sea2Me not only familiarizes students with local career prospects but allows them to see the origins of their food. They’ll create recipes, logos, and presentations, showcasing their creativity and culinary skills.”

“The farm-raised Scottish salmon sector is essential for generating high-quality local employment,” noted Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland. “Sea2Me will help nurture the next generation of salmon farmers, demonstrating the plentiful career opportunities right in their communities.”

By fostering an understanding of the Blue Economy, the Sea2Me program ambitions to inspire young minds to envision fulfilling careers within their local areas, in Scotland, and beyond.