There are two noteworthy updates on upskilling and reskilling in the aquaculture industry this week. The Cornish Fish Producers’ Organisation (CFPO) and the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB) have partnered to provide a grant support scheme for fishermen who want to take their careers to the next level. One of the main barriers to obtaining higher-level qualifications is taking time off from fishing . To not make than an unsurmountable obstacle, the scheme will cover loss of earnings, travel, accommodation, and other costs to attend the 12-week training program that covers navigation, meteorology, stability, chartwork, safety, and management.

Secondly, Women in Scottish Aquaculture (WiSA) will also offer a mentoring scheme starting in March 2023. The scheme, delivered by Skillfluence, will match senior professionals in the sector with women looking to develop and grow their careers. The nine-month mentoring programme will provide training and support through one-to-one sessions, including building a network, making career decisions, cultivating leadership styles, and building confidence. Applications are open for both, mentors and mentees and the deadline is 17th February 2023. The programme is fully funded by SAIC, the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre, but requires a commitment from participants to engage with the programme actively.

Both initiatives aim to support the development of people in the fishing and aquaculture industry, the so-called upskilling and reskilling – and to help build careers in these sectors. These grants and mentoring programmes will play a major role in boosting careers in the industry and nurturing existing and new talent.

Equally, the EIT Food-funded AGAPE project will contribute by developing, through the platform, tailored suggestions for training and e-learning materials to help workers build their careers.