New qualification programme piloted by Barony College and SSC
This initiative has been designed to transform the way that colleges support the Aquaculture industry in the future, and SSC will be the first to benefit.
Thirteen ‘learners’ from The Scottish Salmon Company (SSC), ranging in age from 21 to 59, will study for their National Progression Awards in fish husbandry without the need to travel a significant distance to complete the course. All course work will be covered on-site through the close collaboration between the college lecturers, assessors, and mentors at SSC, pioneering a new way of working between industry and education.
The pilot will run from May 7th 2012 with the aim of establishing a new work-based programme that will create more opportunities for people to train and gain qualifications in their chosen career.
The new Scottish Aquaculture Work Based Learning programme development has been funded by the Scottish Funding Council, as one of 13 Skills Utilisation projects running throughout Scotland between 2010 -2012. The initiative has been supported by the SSPO, British Trout Association, Land-based Sector Skills Council LANTRA, the SQA, the North Atlantic Fisheries College Shetland, Inverness College, and Stirling University, during its evolution.
Martyn Haines, Chair of the Scottish Aquaculture Work Based Learning Steering group, and Depute Principal, at Dumfries-based Barony College, said:
“I am delighted to see this initiative get off the ground. In this pilot, 13 people will now have the opportunity to attain recognised qualifications to enhance their careers. These qualifications can then be a stepping stone to the Aquaculture Modern Apprenticeship, and job promotions.
“It is a transformational project by design, shifting the centre for study from the classroom to the workplace, and represents a new and innovative level of collaboration between employer and college providers.
Debra Nichol-Storie is the HR Director at SSC who has championed the adoption of the Scottish Aquaculture Work Based Learning system, said:
“Developing talent through good training and educational programmes is fundamental to our business. We have to be dynamic, encourage innovation and sustain high standards of environmental stewardship and supporting our staff through their aquaculture qualifications plays a big part.
“Working with Barony College and their partners to create an entirely work-based qualification programme has been very liberating. Their approach has been both flexible but exacting to ensure that we establish a system of learning that meets everyone’s standards and expectations.”
