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UKSF Skills and Training Scheme projects: grants awarded in round 2

Updated 17 October 2023

The UK Seafood Fund (UKSF) Skills and Training Scheme funds projects that improve the quality of training in the catching, processing, aquaculture and recreational angling sectors.

The following organisations have been awarded grants in round 2 of the scheme.

1.  The Sea Fish Industry Training Association (Northern Ireland)

Location: Portavogie, Northern Ireland

Award amount: £ 450,795

1.1  Summary

Defra has awarded just under £451,000 to the Sea Fish Industry Training Association Northern Ireland to refurbish and extend their training facilities located at the harbour in Portavogie. The extension will provide the addition of:

• a new fire training rig to their facilities
• two new classrooms
• new accessible facilities
• an IT hub
• training equipment storage
• appropriate car parking provision

This project will:

• improve access to training and support skills development by creating a state-of-the-art training centre providing essential training to Northern Ireland’s fishing and maritime industry
• provide the necessary equipment and space to deliver firefighting training. This will reduce travel times and days lost at sea for fishermen who must currently travel to receive this training
• provide a facility that can support blended training delivery, which combines both online and in-person training where appropriate

2.  Scottish White Fish Producers Association

Location: Fraserburgh, Scotland

Award amount: £3,000,000

2.1  Summary

Defra has awarded £3 million to the Scottish White Fish Producers Association (SWFPA) to build a Scottish Seafood Centre of Excellence (SSCE). The centre will transform the quality and accessibility of fisheries-related training in North East Scotland.

This project will:

• will create a high-quality industry facility with purpose-built classrooms, areas for technical training, and technology demonstration spaces
• provide a permanent space for industry training in the North East of Scotland - the facility will be able accommodate a higher number of learners
• provide a facility that can support blended training which combines both online and in-person training where appropriate. This will result in trainees located around the country to be connected to the centre’s training

3.  TEC Partnership

Location: Grimsby, England

Award amount: £185,314

3.1  Summary

Defra has awarded over £185,000 to TEC Partnership to refurbish and extend their current facilities in Grimsby to create a new seafood school. The refurbishment will:

• improve the current demonstration kitchen
• provide a new ‘wet room’ training space
• upgrade The Gallery Restaurant to include a dedicated seafood service area

This project will:

• provide new equipment and spaces to deliver training tailored towards the seafood industry and accommodate a higher number of learners
• provide the necessary facilities to introduce new courses and widen the provision to upskill the existing workforce and attract new entrants

4.  UHI Shetland

Location: Shetland Islands, Scotland

Award amount: £138,411

4.1  Summary

Defra has awarded over £138,000 to the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Shetland to upgrade the Maritime Bridge Simulator at the institution’s Scalloway campus. The simulator facilitates onboard training for modern apprentices and experienced seafarers. The upgrade will provide training that has been developed to meet the changing requirements associated with the:

• training standard STCW (F)
• workboat code
• new routes to limited officer certificates of competency
• bespoke requirements of local industry

This project will:

• facilitate onboard training for entrants and experienced seafarers in a safe environment. This will reduce the need for initial training to take place in more challenging and less accessible locations such as a fishing vessel or fish farm
• improve the efficiency and sustainability of key maritime industries by increasing access to training