Misconceptions about the seafood industry are putting off young talent

Campaign developed by Seafish aims to help industry attract young jobseekers

The next generation see the seafood industry as low skilled and unexciting, leaving seafood businesses struggling to recruit fresh, young talent.

Seafish, the public body that supports the £10bn UK seafood industry, is calling for the industry to prioritise attracting young people to jobs in the sector, following research which highlighted a number of misconceptions that are currently putting them off.

To better understand attitudes and the barriers that exist, Seafish commissioned research to find out what young people (between the ages of 16 and 18) thought about careers in the seafood sector. The findings make for worrying reading as many of those who took part thought the industry only offered limited career prospects and that friends would make fun of them for working with fish.

The research has informed a new practical guide, designed to help seafood businesses understand what they can do to attract young people. It builds upon The World is Your Oyster campaign which Seafish launched in 2015 to appeal to young jobseekers and highlight the benefits of working in the seafood industry. Seafish is now encouraging seafood businesses to use the updated campaign materials to support recruitment. The free materials, which include a film, infographics and seafood career maps, are also available to schools and colleges.

There has been a recent push to shine the light on some of the inspirational young people already working in the industry through the Young Seafood Leaders Network, run by Seafish, and various industry awards for Young Fisherman of the Year, Young Seafood Chefs of the Year, Young Fishmonger of the Year and Young Fish Frier of the Year. However, the seafood industry is still struggling to attract young talent across the board. This impact of this is potentially even greater for pockets of the industry that rely quite heavily on EU labour with uncertainty around Brexit still on the horizon.

Marcus Coleman, CEO at Seafish, said: “We were already aware of some issues around attracting young jobseekers to seafood careers, but this research has highlighted the misconceptions and perceived barriers that we need to overcome to win over the next generation of talent. It includes a lot of valuable insights which we’ve used to inform a new practical guide for industry that’s full of recruitment advice.

“As a collective seafood industry, we need to shine a light on the positive stories and show young people that it’s possible to carve out an exciting and rewarding career. We need to shout about all the different jobs that are available and the fact that seafood careers can offer young people a chance to travel the world, to become a leader or own a business. With this in mind, we’ve also updated our The World is Your Oyster campaign materials and made them freely available to help get these key messages out.

“Our seafood industry is thriving but we can’t afford to be complacent - it’s vital that we attract young people who can bring so much energy and insight and keep it vibrant for years to come.”

Funding for Safety Training

Funding may be available to support experienced commercial fishermen undertaking training to develop their knowledge, skills and qualifications above and beyond minimum legal requirements. A wide range of training can be supported, ranging from refreshing your basic safety training to undertaking a Deck or Engineer Officer Certificate of Competency.

Eligible Courses:

Funding is currently available to support a wide range of courses, including:

• New Entrant Training - our three-week Introduction to Commercial Fishing course is designed for people interested in starting a career in the fishing industry.
• Refresher Safety Training - this can be undertaken by experienced fishermen who completed their mandatory safety training more than three years ago. The courses cover sea survival, fire-fighting, first aid and safety awareness.
• Under 16.5m Skipper's Certificate – comprising short courses in Navigation/Bridge Watchkeeping, Engineering/Engine room Watchkeeping, Stability Awareness and GMDSS radio operation. Additional funding is also available for fishermen who already hold the Seafish Under 16.5m skipper's certificate to undertake further advanced courses.
• Certificates of Competency - grant support is available for experienced fishermen undertaking MCA (Fishing Vessel) Deck and Engineer Officer Certificates of Competency.
• Other short courses - other eligible courses may include a higher level GMDSS radio operator certificate, an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), Approved Engineering Course (AEC) or Human Element Leadership and Management (HELM).
• Funding is only available for new entrants wanting to enter the fishing industry and experienced commercial fishermen who are fully compliant with Basic Safety Training requirements.

Funding Deadlines
Current deadlines for EMFF/MCA funding are as follows:

• England - 31 March 2020
• Scotland - 31 December 2019
• Northern Ireland - 31 March 2019
• Wales - 30 September 2019

Please note: Available funding is allocated on a first come first serve basis so funding up until the final dates cannot be guaranteed.

How to Apply

For refresher training or voluntary training courses towards our Under 16.5m Skipper’s Certificate, contact your local Seafish Approved Training Provider (ATP) and they will offer you the course free of charge, providing you satisfy the eligibility criteria. If you wish to undertake training with anyone other than a Seafish ATP, then you will have to fill out a training grant application. Funding for more advanced qualifications, such as a Certificate of Competency, can only be obtained by submission of a grant application form. See the Downloads section at the right of this page to download a copy of the grant application form.

Beyond the Common Fisheries Policy: Scrutiny of the Fisheries Bill

Here are the Conclusions and Recommendations for the Fisheries Bill 2019. Tiz a pity that the cover is adorned by a non-UK fishing vessel - they only had to ask!

But the greatest shame is that in the report there is no mention of education & training at a time when there is a dire shortage of UK crews and suitably qualified individuals capable of filling posts as engineers, mates or skippers - wherein lies the future for UK fishing if they are not forthcoming?


Eleventh Report of Session 2017–19 Report, together with formal minutes relating to the report.

Introduction

1.The Government should as a matter of course enable House of Commons’ Committees to conduct pre-legislative scrutiny on bills of this importance. (Paragraph 4)

Fisheries policy in the UK
2.In considering the Fisheries Bill, Parliament is presented with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to evaluate and address the concerns raised about the Common Fisheries Policy. (Paragraph 18)

Governance

3.The process of developing and reviewing the Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS) and the Secretary of State’s Fisheries Statement (SSFS) is an opportunity to provide clear direction and effective coordination for the UK’s fisheries policy as an independent coastal state. However, it is essential that the JFS and SSFS are subject to a shortened review period and independent expert assessment to help facilitate more rigorous scrutiny. (Paragraph 31)

4.The Government should amend the Bill so that the Joint Fisheries Statements (for the UK Government and the Devolved Administrations) and the Secretary of State’s Fisheries Statement will: (a) be subject to an interim review every three years and full review every six years; and (b) comprise an expert and independent published assessment that can be subject to public and parliamentary scrutiny. (Paragraph 32)

5.The Fisheries Bill is an opportunity to ensure the UK fisheries administrations can operate a dynamic fisheries management system, which can rapidly respond to changing circumstances. However, it is important that the use of delegated powers by the Secretary of State is informed by stakeholders in order to ensure that issues relating to their practical implementation are fully considered. (Paragraph 39)

6.The Government should establish a non-statutory advisory body, which can provide a forum for consultation and communication with stakeholders, for the new fisheries management system that will be established when the UK becomes an independent coastal state. This will help to provide transparency and confidence in the decision-making process, including in the application of the Fisheries Bill’s delegated powers. This body needs to have the credibility to make a real and sustained impact, encouraging support and buy-in for the new system among all stakeholders, including the fishing industry, the scientific community and environmental groups. (Paragraph 40)

7.The Fisheries Bill extends new powers and provisions to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) but not to Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs). The Government needs to ensure that new policy can be enforced in all English waters. IFCAs should be provided with the provisions and powers that a post-CFP regime will require. It is also important to ensure that both the MMO and IFCAs are adequately resourced to deliver their respective responsibilities and that unnecessary duplication is avoided. This means, amongst other things, that there must be an adequate number of fisheries protection vessels available to authorities. (Paragraph 47)

8.The Government should amend the Bill to more clearly designate the respective roles and powers of the MMO and IFCAs in relation to their duties for fisheries and marine protection, and to ensure they both have the necessary enforcement powers and resources of personnel and protection vessels to fully deliver the requirements of the UK as an independent coastal state. (Paragraph 48)

Fishing Opportunities

9.The UK will have additional fishing opportunities after leaving the EU. An opportunity now exists to allocate these more fairly and transparently across the sector, and in line with the Government’s stated objectives in Clause 1. While we welcome the Government’s commitment to establishing a new method of allocation, the proposals laid down in Clause 22 do not meet our expectations and lack detail. We are concerned that such proposals will marginalise owners of smaller vessels and will not represent a significant break from current practice, which is based on the situation many years ago when the UK joined the EU. (Paragraph 56)

10.The Government should consult widely on the tender process for allocation of additional English quota and ensure buy-in from a range of stakeholders within the industry, including the operators of smaller vessels. Consultation should be followed by a trial, with feedback from affected parties to ensure workability and efficacy. (Paragraph 57)

11.We support the inclusion of the discards objective in Clause 1. The introduction of a new discard prevention charging scheme in Clause 23 is also welcome as a means to mitigate the impacts on industry. However, industry has valid concerns about the workability of such a scheme in practice. These concerns need to be addressed with urgency, taking into account experience, both good and bad, of the current discard scheme. (Paragraph 63)

12.The Government should trial and thoroughly consult on the discard prevention charging scheme and the associated secondary legislation to ensure it is workable, helps reduce discards and has stakeholder buy-in. The Government should establish a national research programme to identify new solutions to the issue of discard prevention with an aim of reporting its findings before the end of the transition period. (Paragraph 64)

Sustainability and coastal communities
13.The Government has committed, on numerous occasions, to setting objectives and goals for sustainable fisheries for future generations. The 25 Year Environment Plan also made promising commitments to sustainability and our international obligations, including a clear commitment to delivering UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 and to achieving good environmental status in our seas by 2020 under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. (Paragraph 75)

14.At present, this level of ambition is not fully matched by the Bill, which lacks clarity about how the UK’s international obligations will be met once the UK leaves the Common Fisheries Policy. The Government should amend the sustainability and precautionary objectives in Clause 1 to ensure the Bill commits the UK to: (1) its international commitments on achieving maximum sustainable yield under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals; and (2) its obligations to marine protection under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR Convention). The Government should also amend the Bill to enshrine a future commitment to shared management of stocks, based on the best available scientific advice. These commitments should not be left to the Joint Fisheries Statement but should be made explicit in the Bill itself. (Paragraph 76)

15.The Government should also commit to a target date for Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY)-level of exploitation of stocks. This should also be included within the next Joint Fisheries Statement, as suggested by the Minister, to ensure the UK can align with future international commitments for sustainable fisheries. Decisions for setting the target date must factor in both the likely timescale of the Bill and the stated ambition to achieve MSY as part of the precautionary objective. (Paragraph 77)

16.The Fisheries Bill is a significant opportunity for delivering a much-needed reversal of fortunes for vulnerable coastal communities and smaller scale fishers. Fair allocation of new and existing opportunities along economic, environmental, and social lines could lead to the regeneration of coastal communities and sustainable fishing practice. (Paragraph 87)

17.We also welcome the review of economic link conditions promised in the White Paper, Defra’s commitment to close working with Devolved Administrations and the additional funding promised to the Fishing Industry during the implementation period. We recognise the importance of a suitable replacement for the EMFF funding scheme for after 2020 and support the proposed plan and the measures suggested by the Minister. However, given the emphasis in the White Paper, the Committee does believe the Bill should include more explicit reference to the issue of economic regeneration of coastal communities. (Paragraph 88)

18.The Government should clarify what funding will be available to coastal communities after EMFF funding ends in 2020, and how eligibility for funding would be assessed. (Paragraph 89)

19.We recommend that the Government commits fully to delivering its review of economic link conditions proposed in the Fisheries White paper. The Government should also make direct reference to this issue in the Bill by expanding Clause 2 to make specific reference to economic regeneration of coastal communities. (Paragraph 90)

20.We regard the Bill as an opportunity to acknowledge the recreational fishing sector as a stakeholder in UK sea fisheries and recognise the advantages of more joined up thinking between the recreational and commercial sectors. We recommend that Clause 2(2)(h) be expanded to make explicit reference to recreational fishing. (Paragraph 94)

Published by the HoC January 20th 2019.

Seafood Cornwall Training newsletter January 2018.

Free course in Newlyn - 'Access to IT' for fishermen and families.

Get down to the Seafood Cornwall Training Centre and sign up for a free IT course!

This event is running from 11 January 2016 until 1 February 2016. It is next occurring on 11 January 2016.

‘Access to IT’ is set to provide beginner IT sessions for working age and retired fishermen and their families throughout Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

The workshops are designed to help people build their confidence and knowledge when using computers and laptops for example, using the internet, sending emails, saving money, filling in online forms, video communication, social media and staying safe online.

The sessions will normally run for four weeks and consist of two hours of training per week. Individual sessions will be available by arrangement with specialists from CRCC, for people who may need further support and advice on issues concerning debt, mental health and access to other services.

The training sessions are free and have been fully funded by Seafarers UK.

Venue: Seafood Cornwall Training Hub

I.T. training course dates:


11 January 2016

18 January 2016

25 January 2016

1 February 2016

For more information call 01736 364324

SEAFOOD SKILLS COURSES HELP SEAFOOD & CATERING BUSINESSES ACROSS THE SOUTH WEST

Trainer Annie Sibert demonstrating techniques during the Fish Filleting training day held at South Devon College, Devon.

Fish Filleters at Kingston Maurward College, Dorset. 

Employees of Phillip Dennis Food Service (Lundy Fish) during their in-house Fish Filleting training day in North Devon-2

Candidates during their Fishmongery Course held at South Devon College, Devon.

Employees of Cornish Processor's Iceberg Ltd during a Fish Filleting Training day at Truro and Penwith College, Cornwall.

*** Book Now for Autumn Courses ***

Following a success of a series of specialist seafood courses held in the South West earlier in the year, more will be offered in the autumn. Seafish certified, short courses in fish filleting, fishmongery and seafood quality, are run by Seafood Cornwall Training, the ‘not for profit’ fish industry training school. The courses are part of the wider Regional Skills Project developed and supported by South West Food and Drink (SWFD) to boost the sector.


To date 55 staff from 22 businesses from Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Bristol have taken part in the low cost, high quality training programme. More seafood businesses are being encouraged to sign up for the new courses under the auspices of the project, which will run until the end of December.


Sarah Crosbie, Manager of Seafood Cornwall Training, explained: “The feedback we have received from businesses to date has been excellent. The courses are suitable for those involved at all stages of the supply chain, from the catcher to the chef, and the benefits can be seen across the board. Training definitely makes a difference. It is about empowering people with skills and knowledge so they can perform their role in the workplace to the best of their ability. It lifts productivity and morale and that has got to be a good thing."


Each of the three courses, funded by SWFD, can be delivered to businesses in their own premises to enable easy access to training. Additional open courses will be organised in locations across the region subject to demand. Anyone based in the South West that is involved in the cooking, catching, preparing, processing, marketing, selling or distribution of fish, is eligible and should register their interest now so that sufficient training dates can be scheduled.


Pablo Munoz, Managing Director of Cornish fish processing company, Iceberg Ltd, sent three employees on a recent fish filleting course and said: “Our employees found the course very informative, gaining a  thorough grounding in the skills required for efficient fish filleting. We look forward to attending more courses run by Seafood Cornwall Training in the near future.”


The three, one-day courses are certified by Seafish and led by Seafish Approved Instructors. As the courses are supported by SWFD, there will be only a small charge. Places are limited so anyone interested is advised to contact Seafood Cornwall Training for further information and to book.


Christine Marshall, Executive Director of South West Food & Drink, added: “Whilst the land-based sector have access to public funding for skills training at this important, practical level, there is very little equivalent funding available to the seafood industry. This project aimed to fill that gap. The first series of courses delivered in the South West appear to have been very well received and we hope to be able to support many more businesses and individuals with skills training from Seafood Cornwall Training between now and December 2011.”


The Introduction to Seafood Quality course is delivered by the national lead trainer in Seafood Quality, Adrian Barratt. The course delivers a mix of theory and practice on the assessment of whitefish and flatfish using samples of fish at different stages of deterioration. The course will provide candidates with the essential sensory skills and background knowledge to confidently asses and record the freshness of both fresh and cooked fish.


Training in Fish Filleting is delivered by Seafish approved trainer, Annie Sibert and focuses on teaching candidates basic skills such as skinning, filleting, steaking and boning different species of round and flat fish. More experienced candidates or those requiring refresher training are also welcomed, as tuition can be tailored to suit individual requirements.


The Introduction to Fishmongery course, also delivered by experienced fishmonger Annie Sibert, is aimed at those looking to develop a retail seafood business as well as those currently working in the retail seafood sector. Fishmongers who wish to have their skills recognised though attaining a Seafish Certificate of Competency, are also welcomed on the course. The course includes topics on Health and Hygiene, Food Safety, Customer Service and Sales, Knife Skills and Seafood Quality, as well as a practical session creating an effective fish counter display. An early morning visit to a fish market can form part of this course.


Tamsin Hoskin, owner of Fishey Gils, who has recently established a small business selling fish at farmers’ markets in West Cornwall, attended the fishmongery and fish filleting courses and said: “The courses were brilliant! I have improved my techniques to prepare fish as well as gaining more confidence to sell to customers. I am seeing a growth in repeat custom and recommendations as a result.”


Deborah Driver, the wife of a Brixham fisherman who is hoping to set up her own retail business, added: “As a fisherman’s wife, I cook fish all the time but the course definitely showed me some new techniques and how to fillet fish a little more professionally. The session on putting together an attractive fish display was brilliant. It helped me think creatively about how to display fish, to attract customer’s attention.”


Julia Noon, the owner of the Swanage Bay Fishmongers in Dorset, commented: “The course was very informative and I’ve learnt a great deal to help my business, especially about fish quality. It was fun and great to share experiences with other people about their seafood businesses, in fact one of my fellow participants has visited my shop to exchange further ideas. I would definitely recommend the course as it is really good value.”


Lisa Osman from PROVISO catering in Dorset: “Both members of the kitchen team thought the course instructor Annie Sibert had enthusiasm and passion beyond all expectations and this was complimented by her extensive commercial experience. Annie was encouraging and knowledgeable and at the end of the day everyone felt they’d really learnt something worthwhile for their current job and future careers.


“I would have no hesitation to recommend this training programme or attend other courses run by Seafood Cornwall Training, as the initial benefit of improved staff morale, as well as the longer term improvement of knife handling, more than compensated for the initial outlay. Equally it has encouraged the team to utilise species of fish that might have been overlooked before which will definitely benefit my business.”

For further information about the course dates, cost of courses and further details please contact Sarah Crosbie on 01736 364324 or visit www.seafoodcornwalltraining.co.uk

Seafood Cornwall Training, the CFPO and Falfish, offer FREE practical sea safety training for young people during the summer holidays.

Two Newlyn boys learn the craft and fish for harbour prawns from their punt.

Seafood Cornwall Training in association with the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation (CFPO) and local fish processor Falfish, is offering FREE practical sea safety training for young people during the school summer holidays. 


Two dates will be offered: The 2nd and 3rd of August at Carn Brea Leisure Centre. The safety days are aimed at young people who spend time on small inshore fishing vessels and will introduce key elements of Safety Awareness; Fire Training and Prevention; First Aid; and Sea Survival. Currently, young people cannot gain the mandatory training certificates, including Sea Survival, Fire Prevention, First Aid and Health and Safety, until their 16th birthday, but many youngsters may be out on the water without any safety training or knowledge of how to act in an emergency situation.  


Sarah Crosbie, Manager of Seafood Cornwall Training, explained, “The course aims to equip candidates with some essential basic sea safety skills; we welcome enquiries from those already connected to the industry as well as from young people who are considering a future at sea.” Mike Collier MBE, who is well known and respected throughout the Cornish Fish Industry and who will be delivering the Safety Awareness part of the course added, “This is a great opportunity for some of the kids already helping their dads or granddads in the fishing industry to be safer and become more aware of some of the dangers of being at sea. I am looking forward to making it into a fun day for all.” 


Paul Trebilcock, Chief Executive of the CFPO explained, “The CFPO is very supportive of this initiative by Seafood Cornwall Training Ltd. We need young and enthusiastic individuals to join the industry. It is important that we encourage a culture of safety amongst fishermen from an early age, as well at motivating them to learn about the many and varied topics related to working at sea. Hopefully this experience will instil in them, an enthusiasm that they will carry with them in their future careers.” 


To find out more and book onto the course contact Sarah or Emma at Seafood Cornwall Training on 01736 364324 or visit www.seafoodcornwalltraining.co.uk


Seafood Cornwall Training Ltd.
50 The Strand
Newlyn
Cornwall
TR18 5HW


Tel: 01736 364324
Fax: 01736 366692
Visit: http://www.seafoodcornwalltraining.co.uk