Forbes praises Sea2Me initiative that gives pupils a taste of salmon sector
Skills in the Highlands are of critical importance, says Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP
Highland MSP Kate Forbes has welcomed a new careers initiative aimed at inspiring young people to join Scotland’s salmon farming sector.
The Sea2Me programme gave 37 secondary pupils from Plockton High School the chance to see first-hand how salmon is grown, processed, and exported globally – all from their doorstep.
Running from April 28 to May 1, the pilot introduced pupils to a range of roles across the sector. It included a site visit to Mowi’s seawater farm on Loch Duich with interactive sessions about feeding and microbiology.
The pupils were also given a tour of the facilities at Kishorn Port and dry dock that supports aquaculture, decommissioning, oil and gas, and offshore wind.
Challenges
The Sea2Me pilot programme culminated with two challenges. In one, pupils created their own salmon dish, packaging concept and marketing campaign, and in the other, rural skills organisation Lantra Scotland delivered a fast-paced challenge where teams of pupils produced a 60-second recruitment reel for a variety of roles within the sector.
Forbes, who is MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, and Scotland’s deputy first minister, said: “Skills in the Highlands are of critical importance. We’ve got great industries and lots of potential for growth, but we need to invest in the next generation.
“I am delighted to see this event taking place, and I wish everybody well. I hope that school pupils are inspired by the opportunities to work locally.”
Recruiting at all levels
Salmon farming employs around 2,500 people across more than 100 different roles, with a further 10,000 jobs directly dependent on the sector.
In Forbes’ constituency, the sector contributes £119 million to the local economy, directly employing 440 people and supporting a further 410 local businesses.
The average salary in the salmon sector is £36,000. The sector is recruiting at all levels, from school leavers to PhDs, with vacancies in roles such as hatchery technicians, skippers, logistics staff, farming assistants, engineers, veterinarians, environmental managers and fish health experts.
Elfine George, principal teacher of guidance at Plockton high school, said: “I think the young people have really embraced all the opportunities that have been given to them [by Sea2Me], really risen to the challenge, shown some fabulous teamwork and problem-solving skills and really responded well to all the tasks that that they were offered. They'll be able to see themselves in these roles, see their future self and plan directly for that, and I think that’s really powerful.”
Future careers
Mowi Scotland’s human resources manager, Sarah Ralston, said it had been inspiring to see young people engage so enthusiastically with the aquaculture industry.
“Initiatives like this not only build awareness of sustainable food production but also help spark interest in future careers, locally within our sector. We’re proud to support a programme that connects education, industry, and innovation in such a meaningful way,” added Ralston.
Sea2Me was designed by Developing the Young Workforce West Highland in partnership with trade body Salmon Scotland and Mowi. Further Sea2Me events are being planned across five areas of the west coast where salmon farming and the blue economy plays a key role in local communities.
