Western Training Association (WTA) held the three week Introduction to Commercial fishing course, where the students covered a variety of the skills needed for a career as a commercial fisherman.
The course which was funded by Seafish and the European Fisheries Fund with the support of the Marine Management Organisation was attended by 14 students from the area, covering subjects including net mending, watch keeping, engineering, fire fighting and first aid at sea.
Hazel Bennett from the Western Training Association said: “We have had a fantastic response from the local community helping to support this course and we want to say a big thank you to the Harbour Master and Looe RNLI members who gave up their time and provided classrooms. Job Centre Plus helped with the interview process of more than 50 hopefuls and also provided transport for the students.
Marine Co donated a new life jacket to the best student on the course and Black Dog Engineering donated equipment and contributed with a visit to their workshops.
Hazel Bennett continued: “The course helps establish the key skills and information the students will need when entering the profession and sets them up for what to expect in the real world of commercial fishing.”
Local skippers and processing companies in Looe are also providing students with a week of work experience to provide a practical insight into the industry.
Sheryll Murray, MP for South East Cornwall presented the students with their certificates last week.
