Fishy future for filleting graduates

The fishing industry has declined in North Shields

The first students of a training school which teaches fish filleting skills are due to graduate.

The school in North Shields, North Tyneside, aims to help address a nationwide shortage in filleting skills.

All five graduates have already secured jobs as qualified fish filleters and can offset cold fingers and early mornings against earnings of up to £800-a-week.

The course, for people on the government's New Deal scheme, is seen as a practical first step in the regeneration of the Fish Quay in North Shields.

I really enjoyed it... it's just a good job. I don't mind getting out of bed early in the morning

Andrew Dack, student

Project manager Alan Schiller told BBC Radio Newcastle that all his students had found jobs.

"The class has done exceptionally well," he said.

"They have done 16 weeks of training... they have completed their filleting course as well as fork lift truck driving, health and safety and first aid training.

"We need new blood to keep filleting skills alive here on the Quayside."

The five students were taught by trainer Darren Adamson how to wield razor sharp knives, identify scores of different fish species and follow strict health and safety guidelines.

He said he was "over the moon" at securing jobs for his students on the NVQ level 2 equivalent course.

Fish filleting skills are in high demand

Newly-qualified filleter Andrew Dack said: "I'm glad there's a future in this for me. I'm feeling really good about it.

"I didn't really have a future for myself before the course, but now I do.

"I really enjoyed it... it's just a good job I don't mind getting out of bed early in the morning."

The North Shields Fish Filleting Training School was set up by North Tyneside Council's Economic Development Unit and funded by the Learning and Skills Council Tyne and Wear.

Councillor Jim Allan, the council's cabinet member for working age, said: "There is a serious shortage of filleters nationwide.

"A lot of people left the industry in the 1970s and 80s when there was a big downturn in fishing quotas and most filleters are now in their late 40s and 50s.

"It is vital that the industry has a source of young talent coming through to sustain its future."