A progressive approach to career progression
Bakkafrost Scotland has aways been committed to providing exceptional training and exciting career paths for its employees. And as the sector has evolved and innovated, so has the company’s progressive development programme
Bakkafrost Scotland, which aims to be the leading and most sustainable salmon producer in Scotland, has 450 employees across 45 sites on the west coast of Scotland, the Hebrides and its head office in Edinburgh.
Bakkafrost Scotland was the first producer to create its own Competency Framework, which started with marine and freshwater as part of its Apprentice to Expert programme.
The framework, which links the required competencies to a training programme and Scottish Vocational Qualifications, was developed using the experience and contribution of the company’s site managers. They have helped deliver fair and consistent performance standards that support a strong commitment to staff development and provide relevant, comprehensive and quality training.
The programme has also been structured to enable teams to gain additional vocational qualifications along the way, ensuring continuous improvement. In 2019, 30% of the company’s marine and freshwater employees were fully competent and in 2025 this figure has risen to 70%.
Food for thought
Feed technicians are relatively new but are playing an increasingly important role in aquaculture. Bakkafrost Scotland’s Competency Framework has been extended to incorporate this profession.
Not only that, the company is also developing a Modern Apprenticeship for feed technicians in collaboration with University of the Highlands and Islands Argyll in recognition of the growing significance of the specialism. In another first for the industry, the new pilot has been set up in the last year to establish the offering.
Pending the success of the bespoke pilot training programme, it will be submitted to the Scottish Qualifications Authority for consideration as an official MA qualification.
Learning the ropes
Bakkafrost Scotland is also running new Cadetships this year alongside Stream Marine Careers – making the company one of the first in the aquaculture sector to offer this training opportunity. There are currently two cadets who will qualify as deck officers on completion.
In addition, two Apprentices are being recruited in partnership with City of Glasgow College’s nautical department, with the expectation they will qualify as Able Seafarers, as the company invests in manning its growing fleet.
Collaborating on career opportunities
Ensuring a vibrant talent pipeline is vital for the sector and Bakkafrost Scotland has been working in partnership with UHI Argyll, Salmon Scotland, LANTRA and other producers to enhance the National Progression Award (NPA) 4 in aquaculture by reviewing and producing teaching materials which are expected to roll out over the next year. The initiative is targeted at school pupils in S5 and S6, and will provide a pathway to further study in the sector.
www.bakkafrostscotland.com/careers
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