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A NEW scheme to protect traditional fish handling skills was officially launched in Grimsby this week.
Worried about a possible shortage of experienced filleters and fish mongers, the Grimsby Fish Merchants Association and the Humber Seafood Institute have created a pilot scheme to encourage more young people to come into the seafood industry. Research has shown that a quarter of all current fish workers are aged over 50 and despite high unemployment in the port, many firms have problems in filling vacancies with properly trained people.
The six month course will be held at the Humber Seafood Institute which has all the latest facilities and will train students in a variety of related skills.
Steve Norton, chief executive of the Grimsby FMA said: "We are really looking to the future. Many highly experienced fish workers are likely to retire in the next few years so if Grimsby is to remain the main fish processing centre in Britain and Europe, it is important that we have properly trained workers.
He added: "There is a recognition that the seafood industry should have qualified people at all levels." Steve said a number of firms had shown interest in taking on the young people who were participating in the courses.The courses are designed as pre-apprenticeship training and ten of the 25 places available have already been filled. The scheme is being funded by the Change Programme, a government initiative aimed at getting the long-term unemployed back into work. Eventually, the Humber Seafood Institute will expand the courses into full seafood apprenticeships, accredited to the Seafood Training Industry.
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