Fishing Apprentice

Summary

Salcombe Angling is seeking enthusiastic and motivated apprentices to join its team. This apprenticeship offers hands-on experience in the fishing industry. Apprentices will work alongside experienced fishers, gaining practical skills, industry qualifications, and insights into sustainable fishing, seafood handling, and boat operations.

Wage: £11,778 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: Fisher (level 2)
Hours: 30hrs/week (in line with apprenticeship standards and seasonal demands)
30 hours a week
Possible start date: Monday 16 June
Duration: 1 year 6 months
Positions available: 1

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

Key Responsibilities

Fishing Operations

Assist with daily fishing activities, including setting and retrieving various types of gear such as pots, lines, and nets.
Adapt to seasonal fishing activities, targeting different species and employing appropriate methods.
Support fishing charters, ensuring customers have a safe and educational experience.
Sort, process, and handle seafood to maintain freshness and quality.
Gut fish for customers as required, ensuring high standards of hygiene and customer service.
Prepare and maintain fishing gear during periods when sea trips are not possible due to weather conditions.

Vessel Maintenance and Safety

Perform daily health and safety checks on vessels and equipment.
Assist with cleaning and maintaining boats to ensure hygiene and operational readiness.
Learn and perform routine maintenance and safety procedures on boats and equipment.
Adhere to maritime safety regulations and procedures.
Assist in preparing vessels for trips, including loading equipment and supplies.

Sustainability and Data Collection

Participate in sustainable fishing practices and collaborate on projects, such as scallop pot trial, bass counting.
Collect and record data on catch species, size, and weight to support fisheries management and sustainability efforts.

Where you’ll work

The Store
Union Street
Salcombe
TQ8 8BZ

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

SOUTH DEVON COLLEGE

Your training course

Fisher (level 2)

Equal to GCSE

Course contents

Check personal safety equipment for defects (including personal floatation device, wet weather gear and personal locator beacon).
Check and acquire adequate food and water supplies for the length the trip.
Carry out an inspection of the boat to ensure that safety equipment is in place, and check the engine maintenance record.
Check that the deck is clear of obstructions and equipment is stowed away safely.
Check ice is suitable for the length of trip.
Inspect refrigeration/ storage facilities to ensure that it is operating correctly.
Inspect hydraulic pipes for defects. Report findings.
Prepare and shoot fishing gear.
Prepare for and haul fishing gear.
Identify the fish or shellfish species and sort them for processing. Release fish or shellfish in line with regulations.
Estimate the weight of each species. Record the information and submit to the Skipper.
Process species correctly (fish or shellfish). Store them to ensure quality.
Identify and resolve problems with the boat and fishing gear (within level of authority).
Keep watch and navigate the boat at sea (within level of authority), in line with Maritime Regulations (‘the rules of the road’).
Navigate the boat using GPS, radar and auto pilot bridge navigation equipment (within level of authority).
Tie up the boat taking into account the tide and weather conditions.
Communicate with other stations or boats using VHF radio.
Issue a distress alert.
Follow safety procedures: man overboard, anchor drills, fire drills.
Unload the catch for transport to market whilst maintaining catch quality.
Prepare food for the crew and maintain cleanliness of living area.
Check personal safety equipment for defects (including personal floatation device, wet weather gear and personal locator beacon).
Check and acquire adequate food and water supplies for the length the trip.
Carry out an inspection of the boat to ensure that safety equipment is in place, and check the engine maintenance record.
Check that the deck is clear of obstructions and equipment is stowed away safely.
Check ice is suitable for the length of trip.
Inspect refrigeration/ storage facilities to ensure that it is operating correctly.
Inspect hydraulic pipes for defects. Report findings.
Prepare and shoot fishing gear.
Prepare for and haul fishing gear.
Identify the fish or shellfish species and sort them for processing. Release fish or shellfish in line with regulations.
Estimate the weight of each species. Record the information and submit to the Skipper.
Process species correctly (fish or shellfish). Store them to ensure quality.
Identify and resolve problems with the boat and fishing gear (within level of authority).
Keep watch and navigate the boat at sea (within level of authority), in line with Maritime Regulations (‘the rules of the road’).
Navigate the boat using GPS, radar and auto pilot bridge navigation equipment (within level of authority).
Tie up the boat taking into account the tide and weather conditions.
Communicate with other stations or boats using VHF radio.
Issue a distress alert.
Follow safety procedures: man overboard, anchor drills, fire drills.
Unload the catch for transport to market whilst maintaining catch quality.
Prepare food for the crew and maintain cleanliness of living area.

Your training plan

Attend South Devon College’s apprenticeship program, including classroom sessions and assessments.
achieve industry-recognized qualifications relevant to the fishing sector.

More training information

L2 Fisher Apprenticeship Standard

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 4)
Maths (grade 4)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Team working
Initiative

Other requirements

We are seeking individuals with an interest in fishing, marine industries, and outdoor activities. Willingness to work in physically demanding and sometimes challenging weather conditions. Ability to work on boats for extended periods, sometimes in confined spaces. Flexibility to adapt to the varied and seasonal nature of fishing tasks. Ability to start work early in the morning as required by the role. Strong teamwork and communication skills. Commitment to safety and sustainable practices. Reliable and punctual, with a proactive approach to learning.

About this company

A local, family-run business dedicated to sustainable fishing practices.

https://www.salcombeangling.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Comprehensive training & industry-recognized qualifications through SDC. Hands-on experience with a respected local fishing business. Varied tasks, providing a dynamic & engaging work environment. Opportunity to work in a picturesque coastal setting.

After this apprenticeship

Potential for full-time employment upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

Salcombe Angling

Jemma Jewkes

admin@salcombeangling.co.uk

07723058078

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000304712.

Apply now

Closes on Friday 30 May 2025

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

Company’s application instructions

To apply for this apprenticeship, please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and suitability to admin@salcombeangling.co.uk. Applications are open until 30th May 2025. Salcombe Angling is committed to supporting young talent and fostering diversity in the fishing industry. We encourage applications from all backgrounds.

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