A share of a significant funding pot received to support Grimsby’s seafood cluster is to be put to immediate use.
Grimsby Institute will start a programme later this month, with a free five-day employability and skills programme aimed at the unemployed or those just entering the sector.
More than a quarter of a million pounds was landed in the region, the bulk of which is going to address an acute shortage of skills on the leadership ladder. But the entry point is also key, with recruitment tightened following Brexit and high levels of employment.
Read more: Seafood cluster lands £250,000
Based at the Nuns Corner campus, the Step into Seafood course will include employability training and an introduction to specialist seafood processing skills, and follows similar pilot work in the sector.
A total of £20,561 was awarded towards the £27,400 cost by the Defra-controlled UK Seafood Fund.
Adrian Clarke, group vice principal, said: “We are delighted to receive the go ahead for this project. Grimsby is England’s leading fish processing hub, yet local businesses have difficulty attracting the necessary workforce. The programme tackles popular misconceptions about the industry, showcases the diverse careers available, and gives an introduction to specialist seafood skills and a range of sustainable, skilled career opportunities.”
The project will be enhanced by the involvement of key stakeholders, including employers and industry experts and the Seafood Grimsby and Humber Alliance. It features representatives from across the industry.
The programme is set to start later this month, and on completion will be followed up with the provision of a suite of digital resources via Seafish, the body supporting the seafood industry.
Grimsby Institute is the host venue for the annual National Seafood Chef of the Year competition, attracting budding stars of the commercial kitchens from around the country, having also hosted the World Seafood Congress in 2015. It also boasts technical expertise in food refrigeration and process engineering.
Read next:
Seafood jobs safeguarded as CEO eyes brighter future for Grimsby plant
Huge coldstore logistics deal completes
Hilton Food Group's full year trading in line with revised expectations after seafood costs soared
Covid rebound brings cheer for Grimsby seafood firm as sales return to pre-pandemic levels
All your Humber business news in one place - bookmark it now
