This week Colleges Scotland is celebrating Scottish Apprenticeship Week - there’s more details on all the activity taking place on the SDS Apprenticeships website.  We are highlighting the achievements of college apprentices such as Finley Forwood, UHI Shetland: 

Name: Finley Forwood
Age: 26

SVQ Level 4 Aquaculture Course

What stage are you at on your course? 
Over halfway through the course.
 
What made you want to start an apprenticeship?
Shortly after arriving at Scottish Sea Farms, I was informed of the prospect to undertake an apprenticeship at UHI Shetland alongside my job. I’ve always enjoyed the process of learning and the opportunity to become more adept at my role was a great opportunity, the fact I will receive a nationally recognised qualification with prospects for career development is a great incentive!

What has the experience been like for you? Has there been anything that has surprised you? What has been the high point, or a highlight, or an experience you’ve had that you’ve enjoyed?
The level 4 qualification has certainly been a step up from the level 3, the depth and breadth of content required has been challenging at times when balanced with my usual workload. However, a great success of the qualification to me is that my answers are built from my experiences at work, so it’s an effective positive feedback loop. Additionally, the greatest strength of the qualification to me is how it incentivises communication with colleagues for areas you may not be familiar with, the level 4 SVQ has spurred me to have several memorable conversations with how logistics such as batch plans are created for example.

Are there some key skills that you could tell us about that you have learned?
I’ve learned many new skills doing my current job! Some of the key skills have been working to self-imposed deadlines, data collection, interpersonal skills and critical thinking, observations and analysis.

Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years time, and how will the apprenticeship experience have helped you get there?
I’d like to see myself continue to develop my skills and progress up through the site and company but am flexible to see where the opportunities that arise will take me. The apprenticeship has provided me with direct, applicable knowledge on RAS operation and logistics, while also providing me with more generalised skills such as critical thinking and analysis which can be transferred onto many types of roles which are present in the aquaculture industry.