Fisher apprenticeship

Harvest fish and shellfish

Using a range of catching materials and working as part of a team, you may be at sea from a few hours at a time, up to a week. Fishing is highly regulated and governed by complex fisheries management, so during your fisher apprenticeship you’ll learn to use mobile and static gear, such as trawling, netting, potting, hard lining and collecting data for policy makers. You’ll be involved in the entire process, from catching, processing, storing and landing the fish, to transporting the catch to market to be sold. You’ll learn how to maintain the boat and comply to safety regulations. You can progress to roles such as experienced deckhand, skipper of the boat, onboard marine engineer and offshore survey and energy worker. There are also opportunities to become self-employed and a boat owner. This is a rewarding and physically demanding occupation, as you’ll work outdoors in all conditions, you’ll have to solve problems on a daily basis, taking into account changing weather and sea conditions.

Duration: 18 months

Relevant school subjects: Science, geography, food technology

Entry requirements for a fisher apprenticeship: Depend on employer, but relevant experience would be advantageous.

Achievement upon completion: Level 2 (Intermediate)—equivalent to GCSEs

Potential salary upon completion: £24,000

Find out more: www.apprenticeshipguide.co.uk