NEW COURSE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE SEEKING TO FORGE CAREER IN FISHING INDUSTRY

New course for young people seeking to forge career in fishing industry. UHI Shetland has launched its new five-day Deckhand Preparation Course for young people entering the fishing industry.

The course forms the essential first step into the Youth Opportunity Programme (YOP) – a new initiative led by the Shetland Fishermen’s Trust (SFT) to support, train and retain young Shetlanders in the local whitefish fleet.

Following the June course, at least four successful candidates will be guaranteed placements onboard local fishing vessels. These placements begin in July and mark the start of a structured two‑year pathway that includes a probationary period, guaranteed income and long‑term support to help young people build a career at sea.

The YOP aims to strengthen the local crewing base and ensure that the economic and social benefits of Shetland’s fishing industry continue to be shared within the community.

Sheila Keith, Director of the Shetland Fishermen’s Trust, said:

“The Youth Opportunity Programme represents a major investment in Shetland’s future, delivered in partnership with the Viking Community Fund. By linking UHI Shetland’s new deckhand preparation course with guaranteed placements onboard local vessels, we are creating a clear and supported route from school to sea.

“This initiative strengthens our fleet, supports our young people and helps ensure that the benefits of fishing remain rooted in our islands for generations to come. We know the programme will be competitive, and we hope to expand it over time to meet the needs of both young people and the fleet.”

The programme directly supports the Viking Community Fund’s goals of youth retention, community resilience and long-term economic sustainability.

Young people interested in enrolling in the Deckhand Preparation Course are encouraged to register with UHI Shetland as soon as possible. Participants must complete a medical and be accepted by Seafish before attending the course.  The minimum age for enrolment is 16.

For more information or to express interest, please contact UHI Shetland.

Image:  Lee Anderson, 16, new start on the Courageous LK470, UHI Shetland