Salmon sector holds its first Western Isles careers event

More than 170 Western Isles pupils got a hands-on look at careers in Scotland’s salmon sector at the first event of its kind in the islands.

The aquaculture careers day at the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, yesterday brought young people face-to-face with local employers and gave them the chance to try activities showcasing the science, technology, and skills behind salmon farming.

Salmon farmers Bakkafrost Scotland and Mowi Scotland took part alongside aquaculture technology supplier ScaleAQ, underwater robotics company MoROV, Underwater Contracting, Fish for Health, and Skills Development Scotland.

The event was organised by trade body Salmon Scotland in conjunction with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Outer Hebrides.

Trade body Salmon Scotland said salmon adds £39 million a year to the economy of the Western Isles and supports around 420 jobs across the islands, including 260 directly on farms and in processing.

It said salmon farming jobs pay an average of £44,500, around 16% above Scotland’s typical salary, although pay varies depending on the job.

According to responses to a survey commissioned by Salmon Scotland, current pay for farm staff ranges from £26,000 to £39,000 per year, while farm managers are paid between £45,000 and £65,000.

Those working in environment and fish health earn between £35,000 and £50,000 a year, while those in processing and logistics are paid between £26,000 and £45,000.

Technical and engineering jobs pay between £41,000 and £55,000, and roles in support and administration pay £45,000 to £48,000.

At yesterday’s event, pupils rotated around stands in small groups, speaking to people working across aquaculture and learning about different career paths.

Mowi Scotland carried out a basic health check on a whole salmon, challenged pupils to guess its weight, and ran a fin quiz, while Underwater Contracting let pupils operate an underwater robot using its mechanical grabber.

MoROV showed how underwater robots are assembled, ScaleAQ challenged pupils to guess the weight of equipment used on salmon farms, and Bakkafrost Scotland focused on sustainability, feed, and the environment.
Fish for Health explored the nutritional benefits of salmon and offered tastings, while Salmon Scotland challenged pupils to build their own salmon farm and discussed the range of careers available across the sector.

Wider programme

The Stornoway event formed part of Salmon Scotland’s wider careers programme, which has already held similar events in other salmon farming regions across Scotland.

Jennifer Cairns, headteacher at the Nicolson Institute, said the event gave S3 pupils an opportunity to explore the aquaculture sector, helping them to better understand the skills, roles, and pathways available.

Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: “This first careers event in Stornoway was about showing young people the jobs and opportunities that exist on their doorstep.

“Giving pupils the chance to get hands-on, ask questions and meet people working in the sector helps bring those jobs to life. We hope some of the young people who took part will see a future for themselves in salmon farming and become part of the next generation working across the Western Isles.”