Marine / UHI Shetland wins almost £200,000 in UK Government seafood funding
UHI Shetland has received £186,000 from a UK seafood fund to develop new courses aimed at supporting innovation and the future sustainability of the seafood sector in Scotland.
Working with UHI West Highland, the courses will be developed over the next two years and will be aimed at those working in or entering the aquaculture sector as well as senior phase pupils in secondary school.
Both organisations already offer courses in a wide variety of aquaculture and maritime-based training, both regionally and internationally.
The new courses will be focused on introducing young people to the seafood sector, helping them transition into apprenticeships and improving knowledge of sustainability within the sector.
The project will ensure that training fits with industry needs and provides meaningful and engaging experiences for learners.
UHI Shetland principal Jane Lewis said she was “thrilled” that the college has been successful with its bid for government money.
“This project will be run through our new Centre for Sustainable Seafood and will act as a catalyst to help provide a sustainable workforce for a sustainable seafood sector,” she said.
“We are delighted that we can use this funding to continue to support the seafood sector, which is such a vital part of Shetland’s economy.”
The money is part of almost £500,000 of UK Government funding that has been awarded to three projects in Scotland.
UK Government minister for Scotland John Lamont said: “The Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (Stirling), University of the Highlands and Islands (Shetland), and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC, Edinburgh) are among seven UK winning bidders sharing over £1 million to pilot new courses which will help upskill and attract entrants into the fishing, seafood and aquaculture sectors.
“Such investment plays an important role in delivering the prime minister’s priorities – growing the economy and creating better-paid jobs and opportunity right across the country – and I encourage bids from across Scotland for a share of another £8 million from the next round of funding opening today (Friday).”
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