Seafish secures £1.4 million to expand seafood industry training

Seafish has secured more than £1.4 million in funding to support training for people working in the UK seafood industry as well as those looking to begin a career in the sector.

Seafish, the public body that supports the UK seafood sectors, has been awarded £419,950 through Marine Fund Scotland (MFS) to deliver training in Scotland until 31st March 2027 alongside £998,858 from the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS) to provide training in England until 31st March 2028. There is also funding in place for Wales. Northern Ireland is subject to a funding application being approved.

It’s hoped the investment will fund around 6,000 training days for people each year working across the seafood supply chain, including fishers, processors, wholesalers, fish markets, aquaculture businesses, retailers and fish and chip shops.

Applications for funding can be made for new entrant training for those beginning a career at sea, refresher courses in essential safety courses such as sea survival, firefighting, first aid, safety awareness, career progression qualifications in engineering, navigation, radio operation and stability as well as Man Overboard Awareness training. 

Eligible fishers in Scotland and England can apply for up to £10,000 towards training costs, subject to funding availability.

Neil McAleese, head of industry workforce issues at Seafish, said: “The seafood industry depends on a skilled workforce and ensuring people have access to high quality training is essential if we are to attract new talent and support those already working in the sector. 

“This funding allows us to invest in people right across the seafood supply chain, from those taking their first steps into the industry to experienced professionals looking to develop new skills. 

“By making this training more accessible, we’re helping businesses build resilience, improve safety standards and equip the workforce with the skills needed for the future.

“We’re proud to be able to deliver this support on behalf of our funding partners and would encourage eligible seafood businesses and individuals to take advantage of the opportunities available.”

For the first time, MFS and FaSS funding will also support Seafish’s onshore training programmes. 

Courses in food hygiene, HACCP, health and safety, fish quality assessment, fish smoking and other specialist seafood skills will now be available to eligible businesses, extending the benefits of the funding beyond the catching sector.

The MFS funding will also support delivery of the UK Seafood Federation’s six-day Future Seafood Leaders Programme in Peterhead, helping to develop the next generation of leaders within the seafood industry.

For further information on how to apply for training funding, e-mail onshore@seafish.co.uk for onshore training enquiries or training@seafish.co.uk for seagoing enquiries.