Inverness pupils introduced to salmon farming careers at industry-led event
Nearly 190 S3 pupils from Millburn Academy in Inverness attended a salmon farming careers day on 10 June, gaining exposure to the wide range of job opportunities in one of Scotland’s most valuable food production sectors.
The event, organised by Salmon Scotland in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Inverness and Central Highlands, featured hands-on activities and sessions led by sector employers including Gael Force, AKVA, STIM, Aquascot, and Northeast Nutrition. It was also supported by the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).
Pupils participated in practical workshops such as building model salmon pens, testing aquaculture technology, and learning about fish health, nutrition, and the marine environment. The event was aligned with the Scottish Government’s Curriculum for Excellence and highlighted connections between school subjects and real-world roles in the blue economy.
Fergus Ewing, MSP for Inverness and Nairn and former aquaculture minister, said:
“Salmon farming plays a vital role in many remote rural communities here in the Highlands… It is encouraging to see the sector working with education to highlight career opportunities to the next generation of salmon farmers.”
Transferable skills
Kerry Sinclair, head teacher at Millburn Academy, said the workshops increased pupils’ knowledge of key topics while helping develop transferable skills in communication, teamwork and problem solving.
Jody Cataneo, DYW schools coordinator, added:
“We want young people to feel confident in their subject and career choices… Giving pupils the opportunity to be curious, learn from interactive tasks and chat to employers and employees is key.”
Jamie Young, group sales director at Gael Force, said inspiring the next generation to contribute to aquaculture’s future was essential, particularly in areas such as engineering and technology. Andrew Davie, head of aquaculture at Aquascot, highlighted pupils’ enthusiasm for sustainability and animal welfare, adding that “Scottish salmon is a convenient, delicious and healthy food source… rich in Omega-3s which are crucial for brain health.”
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said the event was part of a wider careers programme aimed at supporting growth in Scotland’s blue economy.
“Salmon farming contributes hundreds of millions of pounds to the Scottish economy every year,” he said. “These events are helping to connect young people with long-term local employment in a key national industry.”
Scottish salmon exports reached a record £844 million in 2024, with retail sales of £1.5 billion in the UK. Additional careers events are planned across other salmon-producing regions, including Argyll and Bute, Orkney and Shetland.