Step into Seafood
The UK seafood sector is undergoing significant change, and there is a growing need for skilled workers who can meet the demands of this evolving industry. To address this, the Seafood Sector Skills and Training Initiative has been developed to bridge the skills gap and offer valuable career opportunities to individuals seeking employment or career advancement in the sector.
The programme
Supported by £20,561 from Defra’s UK Seafood Fund, the TEC Partnership has launched the Step into Seafood project, aiming to introduce new entrants to the seafood processing sector and provide sustainable career pathways.
This initiative designed training programmes and materials to distribute and inspire the next generation into the Seafood world. The materials are co-designed with industry specialists, combining employability skills with hands-on seafood processing training. The programme ensures that participants gain the skills needed for a successful career in seafood processing, meeting the current and future needs of the sector.
The why
The seafood industry faces significant challenges in attracting a diverse workforce equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in skilled roles. Many individuals overlook the sector, unaware of the varied and sustainable career opportunities it offers. At the same time, employers are struggling to find qualified workers who can meet the demands of modern seafood processing.
This initiative sought to address these challenges by providing targeted training that empowers both unemployed individuals and those new to the sector to unlock their potential in the seafood industry. By creating a clear pathway into the sector, the project will foster a workforce that can contribute to the industry’s growth and sustainability.
The approach
The Step into Seafood project features a vibrant, co-designed training programme that blends employability skills with specialist seafood processing training. Training materials have been distributed to the industry and are still available upon request. Face-to-face courses have been delivered over five days, providing participants with a solid foundation in both transferable skills and the technical aspects of seafood processing. The programme’s flexible delivery model will allow it to be replicated in multiple locations across the UK.
With extensive marketing efforts, the project has attracted a diverse pool of talent, encouraging individuals from various backgrounds to explore the sector. By offering hands-on experience and demonstrating the career opportunities available, the project will enhance the appeal of the seafood industry and encourage long-term career engagement.
The legacy
The Step into Seafood project is designed with long-term impact in mind. Once completed, the training materials will be available to other approved training providers, ensuring that the programme’s reach extends beyond the initial participants and is accessible to others across the UK.
This legacy of flexible, blended training content can be adapted and implemented in various locations, ensuring that the project’s success is replicated across different regions. By equipping more individuals with the skills required for the sector, the project will contribute to a sustainable, skilled workforce that can meet the growing demands of the seafood industry. Furthermore, the initiative will continue to improve the sector’s image, helping to attract a more diverse range of individuals to consider careers in seafood processing, and ultimately fostering long-term growth and innovation in the sector.