Seafood businesses showcase the value of apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are proving to be a game-changer for businesses across the seafood industry, helping to bridge skills gaps, retain talent and boost productivity.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2025, Seafish’s Seafood for Life initiative is shining a light on seafood businesses and organisations that have embraced apprenticeships and reaped the rewards

The experiences of The Fabulous Fish Company in Chepstow and Associated Seafoods in Scotland illustrate how apprenticeships can support business growth, encourage staff development and help tackle labour shortages. There is also a spotlight on the innovative Fisher Apprenticeship which was developed by South Western Fish Producer Organisation (SWFPO), working with South Devon College and other employers in the south-west of England.

Their stories, along with expert insights from Seafish Training Advisor Richard Wardell, are now featured in the Seafood for Life web hub. The content includes case studies, video interviews, and a blog explaining how businesses can make the most of apprenticeships.

Sarah O’Connor, owner of The Fabulous Fish Company, has seen first-hand how a well-structured apprenticeship can benefit both the apprentice and the business, learning about the availability of apprenticeships from Seafish.

“I was put in touch with a local training provider, Cwmbran Training, who dealt with all the paperwork and simplified the whole process, leaving me to get on with running the shop,” she said. “It’s that sort of administrative hassle that has put me off schemes like this in the past.”

For larger seafood processors like Associated Seafoods, apprenticeships are an opportunity to develop employees’ skills and improve efficiency. Martyn Beard, site trainer at the company, explained:

“For us, apprentices are a way of upskilling our staff and increasing their knowledge. We’ve found that apprentices who complete their training grow in confidence and feel able to suggest ways in which we can do things differently.”

One such success story is David Smith, who completed his Level 2 apprenticeship at Associated Seafoods. He proposed changes that reduced the company’s plastic usage, saving over £25,000 a year and earned him a promotion.

Juliette Hatchman, Chief Executive of the South Western Fish Producers Organisation, which helped develop the Fisher Apprenticeship, said:

“Apprentices spend 20% of their time at college and 80% at sea, gaining first-hand experience from seasoned professionals in the industry.”

Apprenticeships are also helping businesses tackle recruitment challenges, said Richard Wardell. “In the seafood industry many experienced people are retiring. Offering an apprenticeship can be a great way to attract new talent or retain existing employees by providing them with career development opportunities,” he explained.

There is also no upper age limit for apprentices, making them a valuable option for both young recruits and experienced workers looking to develop new skills.

Seafood for Life is encouraging more businesses to consider apprenticeships and has developed a range of resources to help them get started.

Seafish Chief Executive Marcus Coleman said:

“Seafood for Life is about celebrating and supporting businesses that invest in people. By sharing real-life success stories and providing resources, we hope to encourage more businesses to explore the benefits of apprenticeships.”

To find out more about apprenticeships and how they can benefit your business, visit the Seafood for Life web hub.