SSF wins youth investment award
SCOTTISH Sea Farms has been awarded the first gold standard within the aquaculture sector in Scotland by Investors in Young People (IIYP). This nationally recognised Best Practice Standard introduced the gold and silver categories in July 2015 and Scottish Sea Farms is one of only 12 recipients of the gold award in Scotland. Tracy Bryant-Shaw, head of human resources for Scottish Sea Farms, said: ‘This is great news for our business. It recognises that we are creating real careers within remote areas. ‘We look for graduates and school leavers with passion and an ability to learn and Scottish Sea Farms provides the rest. ‘We are proud of developing our young people and excited about what they will contribute to the future of this relatively young industry.’
Peter Russian, chief executive of Investors in People Scotland, said: ‘I am delighted that Scottish Sea Farms has become one of the first dozen organisations in the country, and the first in their sector, to achieve the gold level accreditation. ‘The benefits of recruiting and developing young people are countless. These include the creation of a talent pool for the future, new and increased skills in areas such as IT and social media, fresh eyes and mind-sets, along with enthusiasm and unique talents.’ A CAMPAIGN titled ‘the World is your Oyster’ is being launched to highlight career prospects in the seafood industry.
Featuring seafood workers sharing their career stories, it is hoped it will capture the imagination of young people aged between 16 and 24 currently trying to secure their first jobs.
According to Seafish, the industry authority on seafood behind the project, young people could be attracted by the perks and qualifications linked to some careers, such as the potential to travel the world promoting seafood or learning survival skills while working on a fishing vessel.
With an aging workforce, the seafood industry is looking to reinvigorate the talent pool by providing a more holistic picture of all that the sector has to offer.
Seafish also points to the seafood industry’s competitive wages, the variety of roles, apprenticeship and training options where people can ‘learn as you earn’, and quick career progression.
Through engaging case studies and a film, the stories of several vibrant and ambitious young people, forging successful careers in the industry have been brought to life on the Seafish website.
Emma Moffat from Icelandic Seachill said: ‘In my role I’ve been lucky enough to travel to Iceland, Holland and Brussels, along with numerous trips to Aberdeen and Peterhead.
‘In the coming year, I’m hoping to spend time in Norway and Canada. I receive a salary which I think is above average for my age, and the long hours I work are appreciated and recognised.’
Emma Moffat