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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.  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.  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 roomâ€� 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.  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