UKSF Skills and Training Scheme projects: grants awarded in round 2
Updated 17 October 2023
»Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp 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.
»Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp following organisations have been awarded grants in round 2 of the scheme.
1.  »Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp Sea Fish Industry Training Association (Northern Ireland)
Location: Portavogie, Northern Ireland
Award amount: £ 450,795
1.1 Ìý³§³Ü³¾³¾²¹°ù²â
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. »Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp 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. Â Scottish White Fish Producers Association
Location: Fraserburgh, Scotland
Award amount: £3,000,000
2.1 Ìý³§³Ü³¾³¾²¹°ù²â
Defra has awarded £3 million to the Scottish White Fish Producers Association (SWFPA) to build a Scottish Seafood Centre of Excellence (SSCE). »Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp 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. Â TEC Partnership
Location: Grimsby, England
Award amount: £185,314
3.1 Ìý³§³Ü³¾³¾²¹°ù²â
Defra has awarded over £185,000 to TEC Partnership to refurbish and extend their current facilities in Grimsby to create a new seafood school. »Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp refurbishment will:
- improve the current demonstration kitchen
- provide a new ‘wet room� training space
- upgrade »Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp 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. Â UHI Shetland
Location: Shetland Islands, Scotland
Award amount: £138,411
4.1 Ìý³§³Ü³¾³¾²¹°ù²â
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. »Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp simulator facilitates onboard training for modern apprentices and experienced seafarers. »Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp 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