Shetland shellfish students dive in to education

In a first for Scotland, four shellfish Modern Apprentices from Blueshell Mussels have started their education at UHI Shetland, undertaking a Level 3 Modern Apprenticeship. UHI Shetland are the only provider in the UK for shellfish modern apprenticeships.

Sam Laurenson, workboat skipper from Blueshell Mussels said “Blueshell Mussels are delighted to be working with the UHI Shetland to provide nationally recognised apprenticeships in aquaculture for our team. We're especially grateful for how accommodating the staff at the college have been in setting up this opportunity”.  Sam added that BSM are keen to recruit for a L2 Modern Apprenticeship position so if anybody would like to know about opportunities for employment in the mussel farming industry, please contact BSM.

UHI Shetland’s Senior Lecturer in Aquaculture Stuart Fitzsimmons said: “UHI Shetland have been delivering SVQ and Modern Apprenticeships to the aquaculture industry for many years, mainly to the finfish producers. We are excited to be able to provide training to the shellfish industry to support the growth and training needs.”  If any employers in the shellfish industry are interested in providing modern apprenticeship training for their staff, then please contact UHI Shetland to discuss.”

Niall Evans, Lantra Scotland’s Partnership Manager, said “With an expected industry-wide harvest of 10,000 tonnes of mussels and around four million oysters this year, we are delighted that this group of trainees are set to do Modern Apprenticeships with Blueshell Mussels through UHI Shetland, as this demonstrates a demand for work-based learning.