Aquaculture SCQF 5 (Work-based) SVQ

What is special about this course?

Learn on the job and work towards a qualification that progresses your career while still earning a living. The SVQ Aquaculture SCQF 5 enables you to gain a recognised qualification for work that you are already carrying out on a day-to-day basis. This course doesn't require you or your employer to organise any day release because our assessors visit you so you can open up promotion possibilities without any inconvenience.

Work towards a qualification which will be recognised by employers such as Mowi, Scottish Sea Farms, Scottish Salmon Company and the wider business sector.

Entry requirements

Candidates should be in a job or placement where they are carrying out relevant tasks and responsibilities, which allow them to gather the required evidence.

No prior qualifications or knowledge are required to undertake this qualification.  However, achievement of an aquaculture qualification at SCQF 4 or previous experience/knowledge would be an advantage.

This course can be studied as part of a Modern Apprenticeship. Please contact workbasedlearning.nwh@uhi.ac.uk for more information.

This qualification has been designed in partnership with the Sector Skills Council and Lantra to ensure relevance to the sector.

There are 4 manadatory units:

  • Preparing and gathering live fish/shellfish
  • Monitoring the aquatic environment for production of farmed fish/shellfish
  • Monitoring fish/shellfish health and welfare
  • Working safely in an aquatic environment.

There are 5 optional units including Animal Husbandry, working practices and the transportation of live fish.

How will I study my course?

  • Part Time
  • Flexible

You will engage in practical learning experiences within the workplace, where you'll create evidence-based submissions for your e-portfolio. Additionally, a college assessor will visit to conduct observations to further evaluate your skills and progress.

How long will my course last?

12 Months

Where can I study my course?

    • Work Based
    • Employers Premises

Start date

Flexible start dates available.

Fees

Find out more about fees, fee waivers and funding options.

What can I do on completion of my course?

The SVQ Aquaculture SCQF 5 could provide progression to further qualifications in fish farming, fish and aquatic science or degree-level study at a higher education institution.

Is there more information available online?

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I had been with Loch Duart Salmon for about 2 years when I started my SVQ.  

I have found the combination of work and learning challenging, but in a good way.  I must search for information and ask those higher up, but it has been good getting to know other members of the team within loch Duart and getting the support.  

I think it is important to work and learn because that is how you grow as a person within the industry. Spending time and writing is how I have remembered more Information than I would if I had just done it at work with the team.

I have become far more knowledgeable and confident on site and working with those with years of experience, I feel like I can have a say in things more than before which is a nice feeling.  

I would absolutely recommend doing SVQ as it can lead into career progression and it is something you achieve personally. 

Hallie Shinnie works with Loch Duart Salmon

Apply for Aquaculture SCQF 5 (Work-based) SVQ

I want to start in 2024/25
I want to start in 2025/26

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI North, West and Hebrides. UHI North, West and Hebrides operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.