- Over 650 students from Lochaber will attend a career event exploring jobs in salmon farming.
- Local companies will present a range of roles, from technicians to finance.
- Interactive activities, including VR farm tours and a career-matching game, aim to engage students.
The Scottish salmon industry is actively engaging with young people to highlight the diverse and rewarding career paths available in aquaculture.
At a career event at Lochaber High School, over 650 students will be introduced to roles such as fish husbandry, farm assistants, and technical and business support jobs.
Aquaculture Careers: Lochaber Pupils Explore Opportunities in Salmon Farming
The event, organized by Salmon Scotland and local partners, will include interactive experiences such as VR tours of salmon farms and games that help students identify potential career paths. Attendees will also sample Scottish salmon and meet local businesses like Ferguson Transport. With salmon farming contributing £119 million annually to the local economy, the industry is highlighting its essential role in supporting regional jobs and businesses.
With more than 500 jobs in the region directly linked to salmon farming, the industry plays a vital role in sustaining local economies. Salmon farming has proven essential in keeping businesses, schools, and communities thriving, particularly in remote areas of Scotland. By nurturing interest in aquaculture careers, the sector aims to support the next generation of skilled workers who can drive this £119 million industry forward.
The event will also emphasize innovation within the sector, with interactive tools like VR goggles allowing students to explore salmon farms in a virtual setting. Additionally, a career-oriented game, “I am MOWI,” will help students align their personal interests with potential career paths in aquaculture. For many attendees, this will be their first introduction to the diverse roles available in an industry that has global reach and influence.
Organized by Salmon Scotland and Developing the Young Workforce West Highland, the event aims to ensure that young people, particularly in coastal and rural regions, understand they can build long-term careers in aquaculture. This push to inspire local talent is critical to the industry’s future growth and the continued success of Scotland’s blue economy, both domestically and internationally.
The career event in Lochaber is not just about immediate recruitment but creating a pipeline of talent for Scotland’s aquaculture industry. By inspiring local youth, the industry hopes to secure its role as a major contributor to both the national and local economies, while offering fulfilling career paths in coastal communities.
“The farm-raised Scottish salmon sector is responsible for creating thousands of high-paid, skilled local jobs
