This week National Apprenticeship Week 2025 Seafish is highlighting the role of apprenticeships in upskilling workers, tackling skills gaps, and driving business growth in the seafood industry.
Businesses that have successfully implemented apprenticeships within the industry include The Fabulous Fish Company in Chepstow and Associated Seafoods in Scotland, which have demonstrated how apprenticeships can enhance productivity, retain talent and address labour shortages.
Sarah O’Connor, owner of The Fabulous Fish Company, has seen first-hand how a well-structured apprenticeship can benefit both the apprentice and the business.
“I was put in touch with a local training provider, Cwmbran Training, who dealt with all the paperwork and simplified the whole process, leaving me to get on with running the shop,” she said.
“It’s that sort of administrative hassle that has put me off schemes like this in the past.”
Hands-on training
One key apprenticeship innovation is the Fisher Apprenticeship, developed by the South Western Fish Producer Organisation (SWFPO) in collaboration with South Devon College and employers in southwest England.
This initiative provides hands-on training, combining classroom education with real-world fishing experience.
Juliette Hatchman, chief executive of the SWFPO, which helped develop the Fisher Apprenticeship, said the initiative is invaluable to employers.
”Apprentices spend 20% of their time at college and 80% at sea, gaining first-hand experience from seasoned professionals in the industry,” she said.
There is also no upper age limit for apprentices, making them a valuable option for both young recruits and experienced workers looking to develop new skills.
Seafood for Life is encouraging more businesses to consider apprenticeships and has developed a range of resources to help them get started.
