Funded by Seafish and the European Fisheries Fund with the support of the Marine Management Organisation, the Western Training Association held the three week Introduction to Commercial Fishing course in Brixham, where it covered a variety of different skills needed for a career as a commercial fisherman.
The course which was attended by 12 students from the area, covered subjects including net mending, watch keeping, engineering basics, fire fighting and first aid at sea. The Coastguard also hosted a visit to the Rescue centre in Brixham, IFCA who monitor fishing in the area gave a talk and visits were made to fish processors and fishing gear companies to show students how the whole fishing industry works.
Hazel Bennett of the Western Training Association said: “We have had a fantastic response from the local community and the students about this new course and we were very pleased with the attendance.
“The course helps establish the key skills and information that students will need when entering the profession and sets them up for what to expect in the real world of commercial fishing. We want to say a big thank you to Brixham Trawler Agents, the local harbour master and local businesses in Brixham who gave up their time to show students around the industry and provided classrooms for us to hold the course.”
