Outstanding Aquaculture Training
The NAFC Marine Centre has received outstanding feedback from the SQA on its Aquaculture Modern Apprenticeship programme.
The feedback was received following an audit by the SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority) of the delivery of NAFC's Modern Apprenticeship in Aquaculture at Levels 2 and 3. The programme and the staff delivering it received outstanding feedback in all areas from the External Verifier who commented that "The Centre has devised a very robust system of delivery, assessment and internal verification of their work-based awards through a highly qualified and dedicated team." This result is a vindication of the hard work by all members of NAFC's Aquaculture Training & Skills Development team, and their enthusiasm and willingness to assist students to progress.
The Modern Apprenticeship programme (with financial support from Skills Development Scotland) is aimed at aquaculture husbandry staff and helps them to obtain qualifications that are relevant to and recognised by the aquaculture industry in Shetland and Orkney. The programme, which started in 2013, recently passed a significant milestone when the number of students enrolled passed 100.
In response to the high demand for training from the aquaculture industry NAFC will be offering new courses in 2016 in Fish Farm Containment; Fish Health; and Biosecurity. The Centre also plans to introduce a new Modern Apprenticeship at Level 4 in 2016, aimed at senior aquaculture staff and management. All these new courses will complement the existing Modern Apprenticeship in Aquaculture at Levels 2 and 3.