The £100k will support the first fisher apprenticeship programme in England. The 18 month apprenticeship allows students to get vital hands-on experience and learn more about the whole fishing operation from sea to sale.
As an apprentice, students will be employed by Supplytrain, but will be able to work across different boats within the SWFPO membership, catching different types of fish and learning from experienced crew members whilst they are also studying seamanship, gear construction and how to care for the catch at South Devon College.
The life of a commercial fisher is obviously very physically demanding but immensely rewarding, providing the skills and opportunities to become an experienced deckhand, skipper, marine engineer or even a future vessel owner, too.
The Government Apprenticeship Levy is paid by employers to help fund apprenticeship programmes and Morrisons has agreed to transfer £100,000 of its funds to pay for the SWFPO’s first cohort of ten apprentices. The deadline for applications is 31st July and the first cohort will begin their programme this September.
Morrisons has supported craft apprenticeships in its stores including Fishmongers, Butchers and Bakery roles. Over 2,500 colleagues in-store have completed the programme to date with a further 200 apprentices planned to enrol in September.
Sophie Jenkinson, who is Morrisons' Sustainable Sourcing and Fisheries Manager said: “The fishing industry is a vital and integral part of Morrisons and that's why we’re pleased to be supporting and backing Supplytrain and SWFPO by transferring some of our Apprenticeship Levy to help recruit and train the sector.”
Juliette Hatchman, SWFPO's CEO said: “Recruitment is a real issue across the entire fishing industry now, with an ageing demographic and a shortage of skilled crew. A lack of skilled crew has a significant impact on the entire seafood supply chain.
"The catching sector is the start of the supply chain, so without boats going to sea, there is no supply chain. SWFPO members are not alone in facing challenges with attracting the right personnel. This apprenticeship is a great way to grow new talent within our industry by developing a motivated, skilled and qualified resource that the whole industry will ultimately benefit from.
"Not only does it improve the attractiveness of the sector as a professional and valuable career pathway, but improves safety within the sector, all of which make it a much needed and extremely worthwhile investment.”
Phil Golding, MD at Supplytrain said: “It’s fantastic to have Morrisons as a partner supporting the first ever Fisher Apprenticeship in the country. As a flexi-job apprenticeship agency, we’re obviously really excited to be able to employ and support fresh talent to start a career in this rewarding industry, and hope this is the first of many cohorts in the years ahead.”
In 2021 Morrisons acquired Falfish, a sustainably sourced seafood wholesaler which is based in Cornwall. To date, Falfish supply the majority of Morrisons fish and shellfish that's then freshly prepared by Morrisons fishmongers who are based in-store.
To apply to become a fishing apprentice through supply train please visit: https://supplytrain.co.uk/sea-fisher-apprenticeship