Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2024

This week we are celebrating Scottish Apprenticeship Week and promoting the benefits of work-based learning

Bakkafrost Scotland offers various different types of apprenticeships across the business, that train and support employees as they learn new skills and forge professional career paths.

We currently have 16 employees working towards various qualifications across Food and Drink (level 2 and 3), Aquaculture (level 2 and 3) and Aquaculture Management (level 4). In addition we employ an apprentice within our Engineering department and a recently qualified apprentice within our IT department.

Lisa Connell, Head of HR at Bakkafrost Scotland said: “Apprenticeships are vital for helping people learn new skills and ensure a pipeline of talent, especially in rural areas of Scotland.

“This week is an opportunity for us to showcase success in our sector and the benefits we are delivering where we operate.”

Meet some of our present and past apprentices across the business:

Ryan Macleod, 18, Electrical and Mechanical Apprentice Engineer at Marybank processing plant, Stornoway

What is the best thing about a MA/what are you enjoying most?

School was never going to get the best out of me, so I am glad I've found something that teaches me while I work. When there is a machine breakdown I go out with the other engineers to look at what they are doing and try and learn myself of the fault and how to fix it while doing my best to help.

Why would you encourage others to consider doing an MA?

An apprenticeship helps you learn while on the job, which gives you more qualifications and more work experience to further your career.

What key things are you learning that benefits your role?

Under the mentorship of my line manager and team, I’ve been learning how to be part of a team, working at heights, and the importance of health and safety at all times.

Morgan Maclean, 21, IT Support technician, Edinburgh

What was the best thing about a MA?

My favourite thing was being able to learn whilst gaining real experience and skills that you don’t get from school. It also encouraged me to work on other skills that I wasn’t so strong at before, such as people skills and problem solving.

Why would you encourage others to consider doing an MA?

It’s a great hands-on learning experience no matter how experienced you are, I had very little knowledge and it was an amazing opportunity to kickstart my career.

What were the benefits/how did it help your career?

Doing this MA Information Technology and Telecommunications Professionals – SCQF 6’ benefitted my skills as a person and colleague as well as giving me a starting place to get into IT and make a career out of it. Upon completion I was offered a full-time role in the IT team.

Ruairidh Neilly, 31, Senior Marine Operative in training at Portavadie, Argyll and Bute

What was the best thing about a MA?

Being able to work and learn at the same time through my apprenticeship enabled me to support my family while improving my career prospects.

Why would you encourage others to consider doing an MA?

Modern Apprenticeships are a great way to develop your core skills and help move through the ranks of the company that you work for.

What were the benefits/how did it help your career?

I used the skills learned on my Aquaculture Modern Apprenticeship to keep calm and work through what needed to be done to resolve the issues.