Salmon sector launches new careers drive as MSP Kate Forbes backs initiative.
Scotland’s salmon farming sector has launched a new careers initiative aimed at encouraging young people to explore job opportunities within the industry, as the sector seeks to address long-term skills challenges and support growth in the Highlands and Islands economy.
Highland MSP Kate Forbes welcomed the Sea2Me pilot programme, which saw 37 pupils from Plockton High School take part in a series of interactive sessions between 28 April and 1 May. The initiative, delivered in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce West Highland, Salmon Scotland, and salmon farming company Mowi, gave pupils hands-on experience of the industry, including a visit to Mowi’s seawater farm on Loch Duich and a tour of Kishorn Port and dry dock.
Forbes said the programme was an important step in connecting young people with local industries and highlighting the career opportunities available on their doorstep. “Skills in the Highlands is of critical importance,” she said. “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 hope that school pupils are inspired by the opportunities to work locally.”
Scotland’s salmon sector supports around 2,500 direct jobs across more than 100 roles, with an average salary of £36,000, above the Scottish average. In Skye, Lochaber, and Badenoch, the industry contributes £119 million to the local economy, employing 440 people directly and supporting 410 local businesses. However, industry leaders say there is an urgent need to attract more young people into the sector to secure its long-term growth.
Building awareness
Sarah Ralston, HR manager at Mowi Scotland, said initiatives such as Sea2Me help to build awareness of sustainable food production and connect young people with local career pathways. “It has been incredibly inspiring to see young people engage so enthusiastically with the aquaculture industry – from learning where their food comes from on the farm, to showcasing their creativity in the kitchen,” she said.
Jennifer Grant, programme manager at DYW West Highland, said the experiential nature of Sea2Me helped young people visualise future career paths. “The programme opens the door on local industry and helps young people see what happens at these workplaces and the variety of roles on offer,” she said. “There were many highlights throughout the week, but I enjoyed the surprise from one young person who was trying salmon for the first time and liked it.”
Masterchef
Pupils took part in a range of activities, including a MasterChef-style product development challenge and a recruitment video competition, with team ‘Kebabulous’ winning both categories. Pupils ranked the salmon farm visit as the highlight of the week, followed by the product development challenge and the visit to Kishorn Port.
Elfine George, principal teacher of guidance at Plockton High School, said the programme had helped pupils see themselves in future roles. “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,” she said.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said the success of the pilot would lead to further events later this year in key salmon farming regions. “The pupils taking part in Sea2Me were really engaged in the whole week, from visiting a salmon farm, our supply chain companies and getting stuck in in the food challenge – they are a real credit to Plockton High School and we are sure some of them will become the salmon farmers of the future,” he said.
Scotland’s salmon farming sector is the UK’s largest food export, with overseas sales reaching a record £844 million in 2024. France, the United States, and China were the top markets.