The Scottish Salmon Company is piloting a work-based learning programme so its staff do not have to travel long distances to gain training and qualifications.

In partnership with Barony College, 13 workers will study for National Progression Awards in Fish Husbandry and Welfare and in Fish Feeding, Health and Nutrition. All of the coursework will be covered on-site through collaboration with lecturers, assessors, and mentors at the SSC, which employs more than 350 people across more than 50 sites in the Western Isles and West Coast of Scotland.

The programme has been funded by the Scottish Funding Council as one of 13 Skills Utilisation projects running in Scotland between 2010 and 2012. It has also been supported by the SSPO, British Trout Association, LANTRA, the SQA, the North Atlantic Fisheries College Shetland, Inverness College and Stirling University.

“Developing talent through good training and educational programmes is fundamental to our business,” said SSC HR director Debra Nichol-Storie. “We have to encourage innovation and sustain high standards of environmental stewardship.”

Martyn Haines, chair of the Scottish Aquaculture Work Based Learning Steering group, and deputy principal at Barony College, added: “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.”

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