Aquaculture SCQF 5 Modern Apprenticeship

What is special about this course?

The Modern Apprenticeship in Aquaculture at SCQF Level 5 is designed for apprentices working in operative and junior technician roles across finfish and shellfish sectors. Whether you're based on a fish or shellfish farm, in hatchery operations, or working onshore or offshore, this apprenticeship equips you with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours to succeed in your role.

Throughout the apprenticeship, you'll develop practical expertise in stock health and welfare, facility and equipment maintenance, health and safety, biosecurity, and environmental sustainability - all while earning a living and gaining a nationally recognised qualification.

This is a flexible, work-based programme with support from workplace assessors to help you progress confidently in your aquaculture career. It's widely recognised by employers across the sector, including Mowi, Scottish Sea Farms, and the Scottish Salmon Company.

Entry requirements

No formal qualifications are needed to start this apprenticeship. However, you should be employed or in a placement where you carry out relevant aquaculture tasks that enable you to gather evidence for your qualification.

Previous experience or a qualification at SCQF Level 4 in aquaculture would be beneficial but is not essential.

To achieve the Diploma in Aquaculture (SCQF Level 5), you'll complete a total of seven units: four 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:

• Maintaining aquaculture stock health and welfare
• Maintaining aquaculture facilities and equipment
• Maintaining health, safety and security
• Developing meta-skills and personal practice

Optional units cover areas such as:

• Feeding, grading and harvesting aquaculture stock
• Operating workboats and support craft
• Collecting shellfish spat or purifying shellfish
• Stocking, transferring or gathering live fish
• Producing fertilised eggs or juvenile stock
• Preparing and packing fish or shellfish for sale

These optional units allow you to tailor the qualification to your current role and future career goals within the aquaculture industry.

Core Skills are embedded within the apprenticeship framework at SCQF Level 4 and include:

• Communication
• Numeracy
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
• Problem Solving
• Working with Others

In addition to the Diploma and Core Skills, apprentices are required to complete one or more additional awards, qualifications, or training programmes. These provide supplementary practical skills relevant to their job roles and workplace requirements.

Typical examples of these additional qualifications or training might include:

• Emergency First Aid at Work
• Health and Safety in the Workplace
• Manual Handling
• Food Hygiene
• Forklift Truck Operation
• RYA Powerboat Handling and First Aid
• Basic Sea Survival
• Safe Use of Marine Equipment (e.g., capstan winch, cranes)
• Sea Lice Identification
• Fish Farm Containment
• Water Quality Awareness

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.

Fees

Find out more about fees, fee waivers and funding options.