NAFC apprentices picked as finalists for national awards

TWO NAFC Marine Centre aquaculture apprentices are amongst a select group of Scotland’s top trainees and rural learners after being named as finalists in a national awards ceremony.

Guy Tindall and Callum Duggan are nominated in Lantra Scotland’s 19th Awards for land-based and aquaculture skills (the ALBAS).

Tindall, 41, from Burra, has completed a modern apprenticeship in aquaculture (SVQ Level 3) while working as a marine senior husbandry technician with Grieg Seafood Shetland.

Duggan, aged 25 from Kilmun in Argyll & Bute, has completed a modern apprenticeship in aquaculture (SVQ Level 3) while working at Cooke Aquaculture’s Ardtaraig hatchery on Loch Striven.

He recently started a technical apprenticeship in aquaculture management (SVQ Level 4), also with NAFC.

NAFC Marine Centre’s section leader for aquaculture training Stuart Fitzsimmons said: “Their nominations reflect the hard work and commitment that they have displayed during their training, especially under the difficult circumstances over the last year.”

Lantra Scotland is the sector skills council for land-based, aquaculture and environmental conservation industries.

The ALBAS celebrate the achievements of Scotland’s talented rural learners.

More than 100 students across Scotland and England are currently enrolled on aquaculture apprenticeships with NAFC.

Although the Covid lockdowns have been disruptive, the NAFC Marine Centre has been able to continue supporting its aquaculture apprentices through the use of online learning with support from college staff working largely from home.

The winners of this year’s ALBAS will be announced at a special virtual ceremony taking place on 4 March.