New Apprenticeship Scheme for Technical Roles in Seafood Processing Launched

The UK Seafood Federation has officially welcomed its inaugural group of apprentices participating in a pioneering Technical Apprenticeship Scheme. This initiative aims to tackle the pressing skills shortages in technical roles within the seafood processing industry.

Partnership with Education Institutions

Developed in collaboration with the University of Lincoln’s National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM), the scheme has successfully welcomed its first cohort of apprentices. They are sponsored by notable member businesses such as New England Seafoods International, Hilton Seachill, and Thistle Seafoods.

These apprentices embark on a Level 3 Food Technologist Apprenticeship, focusing on either quality assurance or new product development. The program also enriches their learning experience with enhanced seafood masterclasses and events designed to boost their understanding of the sector over a two-year period.

Growth and Support for Future Talent

Members of the UK Seafood Federation are actively working to expand this program by offering apprenticeship positions for recent school leavers alongside opportunities for current employees to enhance their skills.

Industry Leaders Speak Out

Luci Russell, Group Technical Director at New England Seafoods International and Chair of the Seafood Technical Apprenticeship Steering Group, stated, “Technical roles are notoriously hard to fill. As a collective of UK Seafood Federation member businesses, we are dedicated to overcoming this challenge, aided by NCFM’s expertise in food technology apprenticeships and seafood processing.”

Simon Dwyer, CEO of the UK Seafood Federation, emphasized the importance of addressing these skills shortages, noting, “Tackling skills gaps in the seafood processing and trading sector is one of our top five priorities. We are proud to lead this innovative scheme to encourage more participation in technical careers across the UK.”

Visual Representation

Main Image – apprentices and supporters of the Technical Apprenticeship Scheme for Seafood at the University of Lincoln’s Grimsby Campus © University of Lincoln