New SVQ Aquaculture Management Qualification Enhances Scotland’s Fish Farming Sector

UHI North, West and Hebrides has launched a new qualification aimed at promoting skill development in Scotland’s growing fish farming industry. The SVQ Aquaculture Management (SCQF Level 9) is designed to help fish farming employers upskill their supervisory and management staff.

Meeting the Growing Demand for Skilled Managers

As Scotland’s aquaculture industry expands, the need for qualified managers is more pressing than ever. This nationally recognized, work-based program was developed in collaboration with the Sector Skills Council, Lantra, and industry leaders to address the evolving demands of the sector.

Program Details and Structure

Typically taking up to two years for part-time students to complete, the program offers structured support from experienced assessors, along with access to the college’s online learning environment. There is no fee for candidates or employers, except for candidates over 25, where an employer contribution of £500 is required.

This qualification is tailored for experienced professionals engaged in freshwater or marine operations. It allows employees to develop advanced management skills while minimizing time away from their work sites, ensuring that training is immediately applicable.

Career Advancement Opportunities

The SVQ Aquaculture Management qualification provides a clear developmental pathway for supervisors, senior technicians, and emerging leaders who already possess SVQ Levels 2 or 3 in Aquaculture or have relevant industry experience.

Comprehensive Industry-Aligned Training

The qualification encompasses a wide range of essential management competencies, 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 are designed to directly tackle the operational challenges that employers encounter, from maintaining stock health and welfare to addressing environmental management and workforce safety.

Industry Support for the New Qualification

Donald Waring, Learning and Development Manager at MOWI, expressed enthusiasm for the new qualification, stating:

“Aquaculture is one of Scotland’s key industries, and we are finding that more staff want to progress to management levels. We are delighted that there is now a local option for doing this.”

Waring emphasized that UHI North, West and Hebrides offering the SCQF 9 in Aquaculture Management provides a clear career progression route, which encourages employee retention and attracts new hires.

Benefits for Employers

Employers who support their staff in obtaining this qualification can expect several advantages, including:

• 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 practices and regulatory expectations

Since assessment is conducted on-site, employees can enhance their skills while continuing their regular duties, eliminating barriers that often hinder further development.

Get Involved

With flexible start dates available throughout the year, employers interested in supporting their staff through the SVQ Aquaculture Management (SCQF Level 9) qualification are encouraged to contact UHI North, West and Hebrides at workbasedlearning.nwh@uhi.ac.uk.

Image: ©Fish Focus