Aquaculture Production SCQF 7 Modern Apprenticeship
What is special about this course?
The Modern Apprenticeship in Aquaculture Production is designed for those currently working in aquaculture in senior technician or supervisor roles, across finfish or shellfish production. It supports the development of the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for roles such as marine or freshwater assistant site/farm manager, senior technician, or workboat skipper.
Apprentices will gain experience in monitoring the health and welfare of stock, overseeing maintenance of facilities and equipment, ensuring site health and safety, and maintaining product quality. Depending on the role, apprentices may also cover hatchery operations, stock movement, feeding regimes, or the supervision of colleagues and resources.
Entry requirements
To undertake this apprenticeship, you must be employed in an aquaculture role that allows you to carry out relevant tasks and gather evidence towards the qualification.
While there are no formal entry requirements, having previous experience in the aquaculture industry and a qualification at SCQF Level 5 would be an advantage.
Please note that applying for this course does not guarantee a Modern Apprenticeship place. Your application will be discussed with you in the first instance.
To achieve the Diploma in Aquaculture Production (SCQF Level 7), you'll complete a total of eight units: five mandatory units and three optional units, which will be chosen in discussion with your assessor based on your job role and work environment.
Mandatory units include:
- Monitoring aquaculture stock health and welfare
- Monitoring aquaculture facilities and equipment
- Monitoring health, safety and security
- Monitoring quality
- Developing meta-skills and personal professionalism
Apprentices will also complete three optional units from a range that includes topics such as hatchery operations, feeding regimes, and recirculating aquaculture systems. These will be discussed and agreed with your assessor, tailored to your job role and workplace needs.
These optional units allow you to tailor the qualification to your current role and future career goals within the aquaculture industry.
Apprentices will also achieve Core Skills at SCQF Level 6:
- Communication
- Numeracy
- Information and Communication Technology
- Problem Solving
- Working with Others
In addition to the Diploma and Core Skills, apprentices are required to complete at least one additional award, qualification or training course to support their development. Examples include:
- Emergency First Aid at Work
- Award in Manual Handling Principles and Practice
- REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene
- Forklift Truck Training
- RYA Powerboat Handling or First Aid Courses
- STCW Basic Fire Prevention and Firefighting
- VHF Radio
- Water Quality or Plankton Sampling
- Diesel Engine Maintenance
- Fish Vaccination Techniques
- Winching, Crane or Capstan Training
- Slinger/Signaller training
This list is not exhaustive, and apprentices, employers, or training providers may choose suitable alternatives after consultation with the apprenticeship coordinating body to ensure they meet the programme standards.
How will I study my course?
- Part Time
- Work based
This apprenticeship is designed to fit around your work, with all learning and assessment taking place on the job. Our experienced assessors will visit you at your workplace to support your learning, review your progress, and gather evidence of your skills.
You'll learn through practical, hands-on tasks relevant to your role, combined with guidance and reflection to help develop your knowledge and confidence.
This flexible approach means you don't need to take time off work or attend day-release sessions, making it easier to balance study and employment.
How long will my course last?
This apprenticeship is expected to take up to 24 months to complete.
Where can I study my course?
- Auchtertyre
- Barra
- Benbecula
- Broadford
- Fort William
- Gairloch
- Kilchoan
- Kinlochleven
- Mallaig
- North Uist
- Portree
- Stornoway
- Ullapool
Start date
Flexible start dates to suit you and your employer.
Fees
Find out more about fees, fee waivers and funding options.
What can I do on completion of my course?
This apprenticeship is designed to help you take the next step in your aquaculture career, with a focus on senior technician and supervisor roles.
Many of these roles involve overseeing the health and welfare of stock, managing equipment and facilities, ensuring safe working practices, and supporting the development of others in the workplace.
Some apprentices may also go on to complete further study in aquaculture management or marine science, or move into training and development roles within the sector.
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
Apply for Aquaculture Production SCQF 7 Modern Apprenticeship
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI North, West and Hebrides. UHI North, West and Hebrides operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.