Salmon farmer crowned top aquaculture learner

27 year old Iain Clerk who works for Lakeland Smolt in Argyll, received the award for his enthusiasm and desire to learn everything about the job. He is currently studying an SVQ Level 2 in Aquaculture with Inverness College.   

“I would recommend all parts of the course to others, as it has widened my understanding of the processes we use. I particularly enjoy the work and being part of a team with over 50 years experience.  It’s the job I enjoy getting up for. Day to day the job changes, but one day with more training I hope to be in charge of my own farm. I am delighted to be the winner of the Lantra Aquaculture Learner of the Year Award.” said Clerk.     

Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, said skills were high on the Scottish Government agenda:  “We recognise the clear link between a highly skilled, well-motivated workforce and a strong economy.

 “We cannot ignore the economic downturn, but the upturn will come and we will need to be able to call on a ready supply of skilled people.  That means nurturing talent and doing all we can to encourage our workforce to improve and develop their skills throughout their employment,” Lochhead added.