|
NAFC lecturer Kenny Gifford, and the students |
NAFC MARINE CENTRE AQUACULTURE STUDENTS RECEIVE SUPPORT FROM HEART OF THE COMMUNITY.
A new intake of six students from secondary schools across Shetland start their National Progression Award (NPA) in Aquaculture course this month (September 2011) at the NAFC Marine Centre. This new qualification and the programme being offered by the Marine Centre was developed specifically to give interested students an introduction to the sector, to inform them of the possibilities of pursuing a career in aquaculture and as a gateway to further study and qualifications.
Three students from Aith, two from Whalsay and one from the Anderson High School will be tutored by the NAFC Marine Centre’s aquaculture vocational training manager Kenny Gifford one day per fortnight for one year. The NPA also includes work experience, which helps develop practical skills in a real-life placement.
Delivery of the NPA programme was made possible through funding received from the Scottish Sea Farms Heart of the Community Trust. The Heart of the Community Trust provides financial grants for community projects that deliver lasting change within the regions in which the company operates, which includes ‘education with schools and for life-long learning’. More information about how the Heart of the Community Trust is supporting local communities can be found at the company’s website www.scottishseafarms.com
Kenny Gifford said: “Aquaculture is a hugely important industry locally, nationally and internationally and for the right person, offers exciting career opportunities. All the students enrolled on the NPA level 5 course have shown real enthusiasm to learn about aquaculture and I look forward to helping them turn their enthusiasm and interest into a real career.”
Scottish Sea Farms Managing Director, Jim Gallagher, said: “Scottish Sea Farms operates within some of the most remote regions of Scotland and is frequently one of the larger if not largest employers within those areas. Most employees live in the locality of our operations; with many having been brought up, settled and working within the local communities. Scottish Sea Farms recognises that its success not only depends upon its business competence and investment, but crucially its support from within local communities to allow it to grow and develop.”
David Sandison, chief executive of Shetland Aquaculture, commented: “I am heartened to see the support from Scottish Sea Farms via the new Heart of the Community Trust.”
The students are Robert Isbister, Peter Tait and Kyle Drummond (all Aith Junior High School), Steven Anderson and Robbie Jamieson (both Whalsay Junior High School) and Alexander Nicol (Anderson High School).
Should people be 'stimulated' to eat white fish alternatives to cod?
