A new training scheme is being launched in secondary schools in Scotland with the hope of encouraging youngsters to consider a career in the £430m industry and help secure the future of the region’s fishing.
The pilot scheme, led by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF), will offer school-leavers in Aberdeenshire the opportunity to undertake a three-week introductory and safety course in fishing at the Scottish Maritime Academy (SMA) followed by a two-month work placement aboard a working fishing vessel.
A spokesperson told World Fishing and Aquaculture: “The scheme was set up by the SFF as general widespread recognition that the future of the Scottish fishing industry needs to be secured.”
“It’s important to maximise the benefits for local communities as these are often remote, rural locations, which can be very fragile. If successful, it could be rolled out to other parts of the country, but where is still to be decided – the focus would be on areas that are already strong in the Scottish fishing industry,” the spokesperson added.
Safety will be a key underlying theme of the initial three week onshore induction course and two month work experience at sea. The course will also provide youngsters the opportunity to experience other sectors of the industry such as fish processing and net making.
Participants who enjoy the experience and decide that fishing is their career of choice, will then have the opportunity to enrol in a two year Modern Apprenticeship course leading to a qualified deckhand certification. On completion of this, those looking for further advancement can join defined career pathway training for navigation officer or marine engineering qualification, qualification which can be used for careers in other marine sectors.
Place for the new pilot scheme are limited but fully funded.
