Seafood Scotland has been awarded funding from Scottish training schemes “to support onshore activities of seafood businesses across the country, upskilling and training employees to support company growth.”

The funding of £100,000 was awarded by the National Transition Training Fund and Skills Development Scotland.

Delivered by a range of training providers, Seafood Scotland’s ‘Business Improvement Programme’ will provide companies with free webinars and funded courses “to meet business and team needs and strategic goals.”

The programme will be delivered to current staff members over the age of 25, using flexible and hybrid methods, such as self-taught online modules and guided virtual sessions. Courses range from fish frying, knife skills and monger training to customer and human resource services, as well as guidance on business planning and strategy.

Companies will have access to over 60 courses covering four training areas:

• Upskilling and multiskilling staff – training for employees and teams
• Career recruitment and retention toolkits for businesses – helping to develop recruitment and retention policies
• Process automation and business implications
• Women in Seafood in Scotland.

Encouraging growth

Donna Fordyce, chief executive at Seafood Scotland, said: “It’s important that the businesses in our onshore seafood sector continue to grow and this funding can help them do just that. With the support received from the National Transition Training Fund and Skills Development Scotland, we will help companies plan their training opportunities and the courses available to them in line with their business objectives.

“The window for this funding is open until March and I would strongly encourage any onshore seafood businesses to take this great opportunity to upskill and train staff without the burden of additional costs.”