Fisher Apprentice

Summary

We’re seeking motivated candidates for a future fleet. Includes vessel tour, 6-week trial, 18-month apprenticeship on a 27m trawler, £700 travel support, branded gear, safety kit with beacon, and performance-based bonus.

Wage

£15,704 to £25,396.80, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Fishers are self-employed and earn a share of the catch's value. You will get an extra share based on time at sea, with earnings reviewed based on performance throughout the apprenticeship.

Training course

Fisher (level 2)

Hours

Working days and times to be confirmed

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 15 September 2025

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

2

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

At Sea daily tasks
Assisting with Fishing Vessel Operations
Maintenance and operation of Fishing Gear
Vessel/Machinery General inspection
Maintenance Fish Handling and Processing catches

Where you'll work

PO BOX 34
WALLSEND INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
CATTEDOWN ROAD
PLYMOUTH
PL4 0RW

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

SOUTH DEVON COLLEGE

Your training course

Fisher (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

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

This is a recognised level 2 apprenticeship. College and workplace training will include a wide range of activities and responsibilities including:

Personal Safety
Vessel Safety Inspections / Maintenance
Trawl Design & Net mending / Rope splicing
Catching and Processing
Vessel Management
Sustainable fishing techniques
General engineering and vessel repairs
Basic Navigation
Quota Management
Financial management

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 4/C)
Maths (grade 4/C)

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
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Logical
Team working
Initiative
Patience
Physical fitness

Other requirements

Working at sea and ashore away from home for up to 1 week at a time. Work can be physically demanding in a unique working environment aboard modern safe vessels and will need to undergo an ENG1 medical before starting this apprenticeship programme. Work includes weekends and some public holidays. Accommodation and food / drink whilst at sea is included. Direct route to access future employment and further supported professional development. Time at sea is compensated with paid time ashore by way of a 2x trip on 1 trip off system.

About this company

Plymouth based Interfish are working in partnership with South Devon College who will be launching their new Sea Fisher apprenticeship commencing in September 2023. As a leading vessel owner based in Plymouth and operating across the Southwest we are currently recruiting a number of apprentice roles with placements aboard a modern fleet of commercial fishing vessels.

After this apprenticeship

Route to full time employment as a Self Employed Share Fisher
Opportunities for further professional career development including Engineering / Watchkeeping

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is: