Scotland’s £1.6bn seafood industry has launched a new campaign to help find candidates to fill numerous vacancies that are continuously coming up across the processing sector, particularly in the run up to Christmas.
More than 8400 people in Scotland currently work in the seafood industry in a diverse range of roles from food processing and technology to marketing, commercial and engineering jobs. Seafish is collaborating with the Scottish Seafood Association to showcase the wealth of opportunities available in the sector to help attract people looking to start, progress or change their career.
The ‘Sea A Bright Future’ will run across radio and digital channels throughout November, including a four-week YouTube campaign.
‘Scotland’s seafood is among the best in the world and is a source of national pride. We need people to come and help us put this amazing seafood on tables all over the world. We’re a busy industry and we’re about to experience an even busier period in the run up to Christmas so it’s essential we find the right candidates for the roles,’ said Scottish Seafood Association CEO Jimmy Buchan.
‘With the demand and growth opportunities across this sector, a number of seafood businesses are having to turn down contracts as demand supersedes ability to produce. We know the seafood processing sector is not the only sector struggling with recruitment at the moment, but the diversity of jobs coupled with opportunities to further your career will allow focussed individuals to reach new and promising ambitions.’
The campaign aims to highlight numerous benefits associated with working in the sector, including career progression, equipping employees with the skills and knowledge to develop themselves and further their career. The industry also offers flexible hours for those juggling carer and childcare responsibilities or those simply looking for a better work/life balance. Vacancies range from entry to senior level, from opportunities on the factory floor, to office and laboratory roles.
‘This campaign seeks to encourage people to consider a role in the seafood processing sector, particularly young people leaving school or those looking for a mid-career move such as returning to work after having children. There are a wealth of jobs and a lack of candidates, particularly for entry level factory processing roles,’ Jimmy Buchan said.
‘While many people will start at entry level, there are lots of opportunities for those who have the drive to progress into other roles.’
Top image: Eighteen-year-old Mia Tait works for International Fish Canners
