Orkney, UK (27 October 2021) – Orkney Shellfish Hatchery, a multi-species aquaculture hatchery supplying premium shellfish products to the restoration market, has successfully secured funding for a number of new aquaculture graduate positions, after winning a Scottish educational grant, courtesy of the Highlands and Islands Enterprises’ Graduate Support Program.
The program is dedicated to providing graduates across Scotland with well-paid work experience placements in key sectors and spans a wide variety of industries. Positions under the scheme are available to all graduates that have finished their studies in the last four years and there is no age restriction.
With the help of the program, Orkney Shellfish Hatchery, which is located on the pristine waters of Orkney, Scotland, will employ four new aquaculture graduates to continue its research into the on-land culture of premium Native Flat Oyster spat and European clawed lobster. The graduate positions available will offer those who have studied in the field the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in a fully operational, state-of-the-art and bio-secure hatchery facility.
Commenting on securing the funding, Dr Nik Sachlikidis, Managing Director of Aquaculture for Orkney Shellfish Hatchery said: “We are thrilled to have been chosen as one of the winners of the Highlands and Islands Enterprises’ Graduate Support Program grant. This funding will allow us to bring new, eager graduates into the team, providing them with the opportunity to take their first steps into the hatchery world, alongside our team of experienced and highly knowledgeable aquaculture professionals. Most importantly, we are excited to bring more skilled, local employment to Orkney. We would like to extend a huge thank you to the Highlands and Islands Enterprise for their ongoing support and we are excited to fill the positions quickly with graduates that are keen to be a part of our exciting Native Oyster and Clawed Lobster projects.”
With the funding secured, Orkney Shellfish Hatchery is now actively searching for aquaculture graduates to fill its Hatchery Technician positions.
Anyone interested in applying for the role is encouraged to send their CV and cover letter to info@orkneyshellfishhatchery.co.uk.