New entrant fishmonger learner guide

New entrant fishmonger learner guide Richard Wardell July 3, 2024

Whatever your existing level of fishmonger knowledge and skills, you will be able to benefit from some of the resources showcased in this guide.  Don’t forget to have a look at our fishmonger apprenticeship page.

an array of bivalve and gastropod shellfish
Better safe than sorry

A food hygiene  qualification is not mandatory for fishmongers, but it is very highly recommended and will help you in your working life.  And if you use the Seafish online programme it is free of charge, and nationally recognised.

We also have an online HACCP programme that we suggest you try.  This is not free, but at a subsidised cost of £25.00 represents very good value.

The Seafood Guide is a comprehensive guide to the fish and shellfish commonly retailed in the UK by fishmongers.  If you are on an apprenticeship scheme then you may qualify for a free copy.  If you do not, and don’t wish to buy a copy from Seafish then you can always use the Seafood Guide section of this website where we have used much of the published Guide’s contents.

A table showing yield data on many fish
Free Seafood Guide
Seafishtheauthority on YouTube

We have hundreds of video programmes on out YouTube channel seafishtheauthority including 47 videos on fish and shellfish processing.

Our support for fish filleting training includes coaching guided for the trainer and the trainee.  Our trainee coaching guide is available here.

Image of quarter cut fillets from a lemon sole
trainee guide
9 haddock partially embedded in crushed ice in a fish box
Best practice at all times

A health & safety qualification is not mandatory for fishmongers, but it is  recommended and will help you in your working life.  And if you use the Seafish online programme then it’s free of charge, and nationally recognised.

Great customer service is essential for any successful fishmonger. Customers make an instant impression about you when they buy from you.   Our customer service guide covers some of the things that create an enjoyable shopping experience. Topics covered include how to create positive first impressions, look after customers and handle complaints. Each module includes exercises to help you gain confidence or re-enforce key messages to more experienced colleagues. After studying the guide you will find it easier to make a positive lasting impression and turn uncertain customers into loyal customers.

Image of a customer and fishmonger discussing fish
Excellence in customer service sells itself
How good are your skills

The Worshipful Company of Fishmongers have a recognition scheme called the Master Fishmonger Standard or MFS scheme.  The MFS scheme is able to recognise fishmongers at various levels of expertise and experience such as:

  • Recognised
  • Advanced
  • Craft
  • Master
  • Companion
  • There is even a young fishmonger award.