NEW APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME FOR TECHNICAL ROLES IN SEAFOOD PROCESSING LAUNCHED   

New Apprenticeship Scheme for Technical Roles in Seafood Processing Launched

UK Seafood Federation welcomed the first apprentices to have joined a flagship Technical Apprenticeship Scheme led by their member businesses to address skills shortages in technical roles in seafood processing.

The scheme developed with the University of Lincoln’s, National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM), has welcomed its first cohort of apprentices sponsored by New England Seafoods International, Hilton Seachill and Thistle Seafoods. Apprentices undertake a Level 3 Food Technologist Apprenticeship, with options in quality or new product development, enhanced seafood masterclasses and events to promote sector understanding during their 2-year programme.

Members are focused on growing the scheme by promoting places for school leavers alongside established team members.

Luci Russell, Group Technical Director, New England Seafoods International and Chair of the Seafood Technical Apprenticeship Steering Group said ‘‘Technical roles are notoriously hard to fill and as a group of UK Seafood Federation member businesses, we are committed to working together to address this challenge helped by NCFM’s expertise in food technology apprenticeships and seafood processing’’

Simon Dwyer, CEO UK Seafood Federation remarked “addressing skills shortages in the seafood processing & trading sector is one of five key priorities of the Federation and we are pleased to be leading this pioneering scheme to help grow participation in technical careers across the UK.”

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