Contacts

Training - Sea Fish Industry Training Association (Northern Ireland), 02842 771556, training@sfitaportavogie.co.uk

Seafish - L Gilmore, 028 4273 8963, Grimsby 01472 252300, Training 01482 486482 academy@seafish.co.uk

Qualifications

IPQs. During 2010 Seafish and Improve developed the employer-based qualifications in fish and shellfish. Launched in Oct 2010, these Improve Proficiency Qualifications will replace the existing Food Manufacturing NVQs in 2011. They are a more flexible and seafood-specific set of qualifications that should be better suited to the needs of employers. For More Information - F&S IPQs

Other food manufacturing IPQs are being developed or are already available - see the Improve website for more information.

VRQs. Improve Vocational Qualifications are off-the-job or trainer-based qualifications that are delivered by training providers. A series of fish and shellfish VRQs are being developed by Seafish and they will be available in early 2011. For More Information - F&S VRQs

Apprenticeships

There are 9 different food manufacturing apprenticeship pathways available in Northern Ireland (and elsewhere in the UK). None of these are directly related to fish and shellfish although it is possible to select a number of seafood related units within the general manufacturing pathway. This is likely to change in the Spring of 2011 if not before when a fish and shellfish Level 2 Apprenticeship should become available. This apprenticeship will be equivalent to a fish and shellfish Level 2 IPQ certificate, with additional essential generic skills to make up the full award.

The fish and shellfish framework encompasses processing, manufacturing and retail. The fish and Chip sector is partially supported by People 1st and Improve. The VRQ in fish frying operations management as well as Seafish's existing support for frying skills and customer service skills will continue to see this sector well serviced.

Funding

There is little funding for general training available, although SFITA(NI) are seeking employer support for a funding bid for 2011.

Apprenticeship funding seems to be strong during 2010 with food manufacturing apprenticeships well funded and around 300 apprentice placements active in 2010. Significant changes to apprenticeship funding arrangements are possible in April 2011 when contracts are to be re-negotiated. However, it is anticipated that apprenticeship programmes in Northern Ireland will continue to be well supported.

Opportunities

The advent of the new IPQs and VRQs in fish and shellfish represent an major opportunity for all seafood employers in the onshore sectors. The strong support for apprenticeship programmes should provide employers with a well funded route to staff development.

If successful, the funding bid from SFITA(NI) will help to plug some of the gaps in the onshore sectors training needs - subject to active employer support.

For more information on the above issues, to report any errors or to suggest additional topics for this or another Library Guide please email academy@seafish.co.uk