As Shetland’s fishing industry continues to work within fisheries management and quota constraints, the NAFC Marine Centre has pledged to maintain and develop its first-class training provision for a sector that has an integral role to play in the future of the local economy.
NAFC Marine Centre’s fisheries liaison manager, Leslie Tait, commented: “We are still fortunate to have a reasonable intake of enthusiastic young trainees coming forward to attain their vocational qualification. The Skillseeker programme we offer is a valuable course of learning. The trainees take up placements on board local vessels, which provides them with the necessary experience for a career in the sector and, at the same time, the opportunity to earn some money.”
At the Centre’s annual prize giving in December one Skillseeker stood out by demonstrating a particularly high level of commitment, aptitude and all-round ability. Mark Laurenson from Burra was awarded the SVQ Level 2 Fishing Vessel Operations (Fish Catching) prize. Having successfully completed the programme, Mark now has a full-time berth on his training vessel, the Guiding Light LK84.
