A fishing career can offer young people a new challenge.

Martyn Youell, Head of Fisheries at Waterdance Ltd who is working with South Devon College on its ground-breaking Fisher Apprenticeship.

Martyn Youell, Head of Fisheries at Waterdance Ltd, who is working with South Devon College on its ground-breaking Fisher Apprenticeship, says fishing is a physically and mentally challenging job with excellent career progression but is facing a recruitment shortage.

“Fishing has faced a communication barrier of getting across the high-earning, adventurous and enjoyable career route on offer to young people and those seeking a new challenge. Fishing can seem like a closed world where the only routes in are by word of mouth or being born into a fishing family. But the skills to be a fisher can absolutely be learnt.

“The apprenticeship route provides a structured introduction to fishing that I’m confident will draw in brilliant people who go on to achieve success in UK fishing,” explained Martyn, whose company will be taking on several apprentices. “There is so much potential for people who want to work hard.”

The Fisher Apprenticeship programme at South Devon College has been developed in collaboration with fish producer organisations, employers and approved by the Institute for Apprenticeship and Technical Education and Seafish, a public body sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Working alongside local employers the apprenticeship will train the next generation to sustainably harvest fish and shellfish as well as learn about fishing methods.

The 18-month level 2 Fisher Apprenticeship is preceded by a short traineeship where students have the opportunity to experience life as a fisher and make sure they’re ready for the apprenticeship which offers a clear career progression into the industry.

Anthony Mangnall, MP for Totnes and South Devon says the Fisher Apprenticeship is vital to the survival of the industry and for “encouraging young people back to the industry. I am impressed with the way that South Devon College has progressed with the apprenticeship driving it forward in the local and wider area.”

Fisher apprentices will study at the recently opened South Devon College Marine Academy. Based at Premier Marina’s new £75 million Noss-on-Dart Marina the Academy boasts state-of-the-art facilities and strong employer links.

“As a leading South West Further Education college we see this apprenticeship as being of great importance to the future of the south west’s fishing communities and employers and are pleased to have been able to work with local employers and fish producers organisations on its development,” said Adrian Bevan, Head of Curriculum at South Devon College. “We very much look forward to welcoming the first Fisher apprentices.”