Gael Force graduate scoops Young Employee of the Year Award

October 2, 2023 - Gael Force Group's Graduate Mechanical Engineer, Jacques Huysamer (23), is celebrating winning the prestigious Young Employee of the Year at the annual Highland Business Awards held in Inverness.

Jacques was shortlisted from tough competition, going on to lift the award at the event held on Friday 29th September at the Kingsmills Hotel and organised by Inverness Chamber of Commerce.

Jacques joined Gael Force one year ago following the completion of his studies - a BEng in Computer-Aided Mechanical Engineering at Glasgow Caledonian University. A Campbeltown native, Jacques took a leap of faith by flying solo and upping sticks 200 miles north to base himself at Gael Force's Inverness Head office. He forms part of the business' experienced and highly skilled technical development team.

Since joining, he has been involved in the next-generation design of the SeaSight aquaculture camera double winch and he has also partnered with the Technical Development Manager to oversee the destructive testing go the new SeaQureLink Ultra mooring ring component for supporting safer, more secure offshore fish farming.

Furthermore, he has been developing a cabling system for a net winch system which will provide customers with a safer cable installation inside their sea farm pens.

Commenting on the win, Jacques Huysamer said:

"Hitting my first-year anniversary at Gael Force Group on the same week as the Highland Business Awards has been capped off by winning the award! I am grateful for all of the personal development opportunities that the technical environment at Gael Force has given me. Being shortlisted for the award in the first instance was as much a reflection on the experienced team around me, so it is a proud moment for us all."

Commenting, Gael Force Group's People Development Manager, Claire Barnett said:

"We are immensely proud of what Jacques has achieved in his relatively short time with Gael Force. Jacques has brought a new dynamic and skillset and he has been a model graduate employee, developing at pace with a can-do attitude, commitment, versatility and with great fortitude. As a business we are highly motivated to encourage the growth of young people within our business through mentorship, real-life projects, reward and recognition."

Gael Force Group's graduate employee scheme offers newly qualified, skilled individuals the chance to develop a rewarding career in the aquaculture and marine sectors, with the full support of a team of senior colleagues and mentors.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Aquaculturists

---