A NEWLYN training company for the fishing industry has been given a cash boost to help develop skills in the sector.

Seafood Cornwall Training has secured £26,650 of funding to provide specialist training programs in filleting, fish mongery and seafood quality to help the development of the shore based sector across the South West.

The funding from South West Food & Drink will enable a wide range of individuals and businesses, from catchers to chefs, the opportunity to access subsidised skills training to add greater value to their catch.

Anyone based in the South West involved in the catching, preparing, processing, marketing, selling or distribution of fish will be able to access training at 50 per cent of the normal cost.

Sarah Crosbie, manager of Seafood Cornwall Training, said: "Given the importance and scale of the seafood industry to the South West in terms of employment, skills and output, it is essential that everyone involved in the supply chain, from the catcher to the chef, has access to local, specialist training, in order to bring the industry in line with the land-based component of the food and drink sector.

"We would like to thank South West Food and Drink for addressing the demonstrable gap in funding for developing skills in the seafood sector."

Simon Mallet, regional skills manager for South West Food & Drink, added: "While the land-based sector has access to public funding for skills training at this important, practical level, there is very little equivalent funding available to the seafood industry.

"This project aims to fill that gap."

The four courses on offer can be completed independently or as a block and will be delivered in Cornwall, Devon and Dorset commencing in Cornwall during October.

For further information about the course dates, cost of courses and further details please contact Sarah Crosbie on 01736 364324 or visit www.seafoodcornwalltraining.co.uk


article copyright THE CORNISHMAN