Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2026: A Focus on the UK Seafood Industry

National Apprenticeship Week 2026 is making waves across the UK, highlighting the vital role that apprentices play in shaping the future of the seafood industry. The week-long celebration aims to recognize the talent and commitment of young individuals entering this thriving sector.

In Northern Ireland, the festivities kicked off earlier in February, creating a local buzz around the benefits of apprenticeships. With an emphasis on hands-on training, coupled with industry mentorship and valuable real-world experience, these programs are designed to equip aspiring professionals with the skills necessary for the seafood sector’s growth and evolution.

The Apprenticeship Experience

Apprenticeships combine practical, on-the-job training with supplementary learning. Each apprentice is employed by a business and receives a salary while gaining essential experience that is directly relevant to their job role and chosen pathway. This blend of work and study is key to fostering a skilled workforce within the industry.

A National Celebration of Skills

National Apprenticeship Week 2026 serves as a national celebration honoring a diverse range of participants: apprentices, employers, training providers, parents, schools, colleges, universities, assessment organizations, and ambassadors all contribute to making apprenticeships and skill development flourish. The event took place from February 2-6 in Northern Ireland, followed by England and Wales from February 9-15, and culminating in Scotland from March 2-6.

Engagement and Growth in the Seafood Sector

Throughout this month, Seafish Onshore Training Advisor Richard Wardell, along with Matthew Bell, Head of Business Development at FDQ, have been engaging with fishmongers to discuss the apprenticeship opportunities available within the industry. They also gathered insights on how the Fishmonger Apprenticeship has not only facilitated staff development but has also enhanced overall business operations.

Matthew Bell, who oversees apprentice end-point assessments for various food and drink qualifications—including the Fishmonger Apprenticeship—has shared his thoughts on the transformative power of these training programs.

Watch and Learn

For further insights into the value of apprenticeships, you can watch Matthew discuss his experiences in the video below:

Get Involved and Find Out More

To learn more about the opportunities presented by apprenticeships in the seafood business, visit our dedicated Seafood Business Apprenticeships page.

Featured Organization: Seafish