Celebrating Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Week

At Bakkafrost Scotland, we’re committed to investing in our people, providing hands-on learning opportunities through our Modern Apprenticeship scheme to help develop skills, build confidence, and grow careers in aquaculture. Over the past [X] years, we’ve supported [X] apprentices across our sites, helping them gain valuable experience and qualifications.

This week, we’re shining a spotlight on two of our apprentices, Abdessalam Zaouia, Quality Supervisor at Cairndow, and Lewis Henderson, Marine Operative on the Isle of Gigha, as well as the teams that support them. We asked them about their journey so far—why they chose this career path, what inspired them to take on a Modern Apprenticeship, and how the qualification is helping them develop their skills for the future. They also shared insights into their roles, the support they've received, and what they love most about their jobs.

Abdelassam Zaouia, Quality Supervisor, Cairndow,

SVQ 2 food and drink operations certificate in fish and shellfish processing skills and level 2 modern apprenticeship certificate in fish and shellfish processing skills, level 2 food safety and hygiene certificate, level 2 health and safety certificate.

What does your current role entail?

In my job, we do quality controlling, we organise the audits and receive them and make sure the auditor has all the information they ask for. We do all the trending and save all the certificates for the samples, providing information for our colleagues in the company and supporting the processing if they need help.

What led you to pursue a career in aquaculture?

I joined Bakkafrost in January 2019 as a processor, then I applied for the QC job as I had been studying in biology at university and I already had background knowledge to enable me to do this job.

What inspired you to take on the Modern Apprenticeship?

My line manager Anne Marie MacIver introduced me to the Modern Apprenticeship and she encouraged me to go for it. It was so helpful as it refreshed my knowledge and gave me something new to learn. It gives you the opportunity to do your job and the apprenticeship at the same time and that’s the best part of it.

How has your Modern Apprenticeship experience been?

It’s been a great experience. It has helped me improve my skills and learn more, refreshing the information I have. The good thing is you can do your apprenticeship and your job in the same timeframe.

What would you say to others considering Modern Apprenticeships?

I would strongly suggest they go for it. You will have lot of benefits from it to enjoy and you can go to the next level, which is what I am aiming for now.

What is the best part of your job?

The job is about ensuring the standards are respected and to do everything in the right way - and I like to do it right.

Lewis Henderson, Marine Operative, Gigha

SCQF 5 in Aquaculture

What does your current role entail?

As I am in charge of the workboat, jobs can include running feed/fuel, preparing cages for treatments/harvests, mooring work and general site maintenance.

What led you to pursue a career in aquaculture?

I joined Bakkafrost in September 2013 as I have always had an interest in the sea and aquaculture and my father was working at the site at the time and encouraged me to go for it. I hope the role will help me gain more knowledge, allowing me to do more courses and learn more.

How have you been helped to complete your Modern Apprenticeship?

My manager has been able to help with any issues or questions throughout MA and I’ve also been given time at work to complete units.

What would you say to others considering Modern Apprenticeships?

If you have an interest in aquaculture and have the opportunity to do a modern apprenticeship, then definitely go for it. There is a lot to learn about fish, feed, diseases, legislation and much more. My MA has allowed me to gain knowledge to progress within my role, while being able to put my learning into practice.

What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is when I complete tasks to a high standard, safely and within a time limit.