The number of people directly employed in the Scottish salmon industry has topped the 2,250 mark at a time when skill levels are on the rise, a trade body said yesterday.
The Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO) said the headcount has been boosted in part by an influx of workers from other sectors who are willing to relocate their families to the Highlands and Islands.
It also said 6,500 jobs are now sustained through the supply chain, which is helping young people fulfil their career ambitions without having to leave rural homes.
And apprenticeships have continued to thrive in Scotland, which is the largest producer of farmed Atlantic salmon in the EU.
Fifty-three people have signed up for a Modern Apprenticeship (MA) in the last six months, while 57 have been awarded their certificates, according to training provider Lantra.
Stuart Simon, who in 2014 became the first employee of the Scottish Salmon Company (SSC) to complete an MA level three, said his training opened doors for him and made him more confident.
Mr Simon, a senior marine operative, said: “Completing the course has made me realise just how much I enjoy learning so it has pushed me to find further education.
“From a professional point of view, I aim to push myself as far as possible and hopefully be able to take on a more senior role and more responsibilities in the future.”
The training on offer has enhanced the level of expertise across the sector, which now employs specialists in the fields of biology, fish health, modelling, engineering, IT and supply chain logistics.
Knowledge of fish health is vital in an industry which suffers at the hands of biological challenges, such as sea-lice, algae and amoebic gill disease.
Sea lice are said to be the biggest threat to the welfare of farmed Atlantic salmon, with the parasite costing Scottish fish farmers tens of millions of pounds a year to treat and keep at bay.
Hayley Eccles, who left her retail career to become a freshwater technician with Scottish Sea Farms in the Highlands in 2013, said:
“Joining the industry with no prior knowledge has not been without its challenges, but I’ve always felt that I had the full support of my colleagues and tutor.”
Ms Eccles, 30, who went on to start an apprenticeship in June 2014, added: “It’s been particularly fascinating to learn how the environment can impact on the development of fish, and to understand how small alterations to the hatchery environment can make a significant difference to salmon growth.”
“I’m a real animal lover and enjoy learning how to care for the fish. I particularly love the hands on work that I do, such as grading the fish and taking environmental samples.”