They way in which apprenticeship opportunities in the seafood processing sector are offered across the UK is different from nation to nation.
Fish and shellfish processor businesses can access Level 2 and Level 3 fish and shellfish industry framework based apprenticeships in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. These frameworks have a significant processing and manufacturing content to draw from.
In England the available apprenticeships are standards-based food and drink apprenticeships at Levels 2 and 3.
Scotland
Polaris Learning – contact Helen Rush on 07780 772508 or helen@polaris-learning.com.
Wales
Cambrian Training – contact Mark Llewellyn on 01938 555893 or email mark@cambriantraining.com.
Northern Ireland
The various Regional Colleges may be able to support apprenticeships in the seafood industry.
England
In England there’s a number of food and drink apprenticeships that are suitable for different roles in seafood businesses.
We have worked with several apprenticeship training providers to make these standards-based apprenticeships available across most of England.
NB: The above link runs a simple search on the apprenticeship website. Only the first 7 standards are likely to be relevant.
The revised (2024) standard is also suitable for fish merchants, wholesalers and some primary processors, as well as all retail fishmongers. NB: This section will be updated later in 2024 when the new fishmonger standard is published.