Jimmy Buchan hails ‘great’ schools scheme for seafood industry

It’s hoped a fledgling partnership with colleges may also help ease labour shortages holding again the Scottish seafood trade.

The Scottish Seafood Affiliation (SSA) is working with a cluster of faculties in Aberdeenshire to introduce kids to the provision chain journey from sea to plate.

Peterhead Academy pupils have visited fish and shellfish processing websites below the pilot scheme, which is aimed toward opening younger individuals’s eyes to the big selection of profession alternatives obtainable within the sector.

Dispelling myths

These behind the initiative say additionally it is serving to to dispel a number of the destructive preconceptions individuals have of the trade.

Different actions below the scheme have included fishing vessel, engineering firm and fish public sale market visits, in addition to an indication of fundamental filleting and cooking.

The trade is struggling to fill roles and SSA just lately launched a brand new recruitment marketing campaign.

https://t.co/cMcZnfGGT6

— Scottish Seafood Asn (@SeafoodScottish) November 2, 2021

Jimmy Buchan, the organisation’s chief government, is without doubt one of the sector’s most enthusiastic position fashions and a passionate advocate of nurturing younger expertise.

He stated the brand new colleges pilot was proving widespread with individuals, including: “College students are having fun with the expertise of seeing a world past college.

“This undertaking is an effective way to encourage and put together younger individuals for the world of labor.”

Mr Buchan, a former fishing skipper and star of the BBC’s widespread Trawlermen sequence, continued: “We aren’t all teachers and that I can relate to

“All I wished to do as a 16-year-old again in 1976 was go and work.

“We at SSA are pleased with taking over this initiative and utilizing the pilot to study from the undertaking and the scholars in what has labored  and what has impressed them.”

Members can full and obtain certification for introductory meals hygiene, in addition to for hazard evaluation and important management level coaching.

Peterhead Academy appearing head instructor Gerry McClusky stated: “The partnership programme with the Scottish Seafood Affiliation has enabled younger individuals to expertise contextualised studying in real-life working environments.

“It develops their understanding of the talents and qualities they might want to safe optimistic locations post-school, and is enhancing their motivation for studying.

It’s been a wonderful expertise for the younger individuals concerned.”

Engagement within the undertaking has been good, with virtually full attendance at each session.”

Jimmy Buchan, chief government, Scottish Seafood Affiliation.

Mr Buchan, who now runs Peterhead-based Amity Fish Firm, added: “The ocean to plate undertaking has been nice.

“It’s supported younger individuals to search out out about profession alternatives within the fishing trade which can be on their doorstep, whereas permitting them to realize expertise and accreditation, re-engage in studying and open doorways to future employment and coaching.

Seafood processors criticise UK and Scottish governments for funding failures

The Scottish Seafood Affiliation has launched an indignant assault on the UK and Scottish governments for letting the seafood processing sector down in its “hour of best want”. 1/9 pic.twitter.com/lTO7hZPU74

— Scottish Seafood Asn (@SeafoodScottish) April 16, 2021

“Engagement within the undertaking has been good, with virtually full attendance at each session, asking related questions and fascinating in dialog with individuals working inside the trade.

“A number of native companies have embraced the idea of which we’re very grateful.

“Though this pilot won’t resolve our present points, it demonstrates the sector is actively participating on concepts and options.”

On board with the Younger Individual’s Assure

SSA has additional underpinned its assist for the following era by becoming a member of the Younger Individual’s Assure (YPG).

The YPG goals to attach each 16 to 24-year-old in Scotland to a job, apprenticeship, additional or greater schooling course, coaching or volunteering programme.