Aquaculture Production
Modern Apprenticeship
What's Aquaculture Production like?
Want a career that you'll get hooked on? This Aquaculture Production Modern Apprenticeship is a catch. You'll learn about sectors like finfish and shellfish production or hatchery operations.
You'll gain the skills you need to build a career in aquaculture. You could do jobs like freshwater operative, shellfish farm assistant or workboat skipper.
At SCQF Level 5, you'll likely work in an operational aquaculture job or a junior technician role in finfish or shellfish. The Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 7 supports those in senior technician and supervisor roles. This is perfect if you're looking to specialise in an area within finfish or shellfish.
This Modern Apprenticeship will help you develop relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours. By the end of it, you'll know your role inside out and will be in a good position to move on to a more senior position.
You'll gain a Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 5 or 7.
> SCQF qualification levels explained
Your qualification includes:
Diploma in Aquaculture Production at SCQF Level 5
Diploma in Aquaculture Production at SCQF Level 7
As part of this apprenticeship, you’ll learn about:
maintaining health and welfare of stock
working with onshore and offshore facilities
using and maintaining equipment
site health and safety and biosecurity
monitoring the quality of products
You’ll also develop the following core skills:
communication
numeracy
information and communication technology
problem solving
working with others
These transferable skills can be used for different jobs in other sectors, too.
There's a range of options after completing this Modern Apprenticeship. You could study a more advanced course, or continue to build your career in aquaculture.
Further study: Increase your knowledge through different courses. For example, you could study for an SVQ in Aquaculture at SCQF Level 7.
If you've completed the Aquaculture Production Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 7, you could do an SVQ in Aquaculture Management at SCQF Level 9.
Career advancement: Successful apprentices may progress to roles such as aquaculture site manager.
Apprenticeships: The Aquaculture Production Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 5 puts you in a great position to progress on to Level 7.
Wondering what comes after the Aquaculture Production Modern Apprenticeship at Level 7? You could then progress to a Technical Apprenticeship in Aquaculture Management at SCQF Level 9.

Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for the Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 5. Although, you must be employed in a suitable job to gain the experience and knowledge you need to earn the qualification. You should also:
be prepared to attend off-the-job training
have the ability to develop the range of skills and knowledge needed to complete the apprenticeship
be able to achieve the SCQF Level 5 Aquaculture Production qualification
enjoy working with machinery
have a positive attitude towards learning
To apply for the Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 7, you must have either:
the Modern Apprenticeship in Aquaculture Production at SCQF 5
an SVQ 2 Aquaculture at SCQF Level 5
an equivalent qualification
substantial experience in the industry
Potential apprentices at SCQF Level 7 are expected to:
show a commitment to a career in the aquaculture industry
attend off-the-job training
have the ability to develop the range of skills and knowledge needed to complete the apprenticeship
How does it work?
You’ll learn in a real-world environment and earn a wage. You’ll also study with a college or another learning provider.
How long will it take?
The Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 5 will take around 18 months to complete. Whereas, it'll take you around two years to achieve the Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 7.
How to apply
Use the 'Find vacancies near you' search at the end of this page to look for vacancies, then you can apply online.
You'll apply on Apprenticeships.scot or the company’s own website – there are details on the vacancy advert.