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About the Whitby and District Fishing Industry Training School

Established in 2002 the school is ideally located situated in the Mission to Seafarers' Centre adjacent to the fish quay, and is mainly funded via the Skills Funding Agency and the Sea Fish Industry Authority.

The school offers training for:

  • New entrants to the fishing industry
  • Experienced fishermen
  • Leisure boaters
  • Commercial seafarers

Level 2 Apprenticeship

Our most successful course is the Level 2 Apprenticeship which includes an N.V.Q Certificate, a technical certificate and four Key Skills.

Apprentices reside within Whitby in homely lodgings including bed, breakfast and evening meal, funded by the company.

Apprentices receive an allowance whilst training.

Training placements are sourced by the company and work experience is gained from skippers and crews on vessels on the east coast. The skippers and crews are an excellent training resource, supporting the Apprentices with their knowledge and experience, keeping them safe at sea and regularly liaising with the school to ensure their progress. The company recognises it could not have progressed so far without them.

We originally opened with financial support via a grant from Defra and were kitted out to include a lecture room, IT suite, library/study room and kitchen as well as the administration offices.
Latterly the company was successful in gaining a substantial grant via the Association of Learning Providers, and our premises expanded from one to two floors, gaining a further two training rooms/IT suites with excellent up to date facilities and a state of the art 3D projection system for training. Trainees use computers with broadband internet access, interactive computer programmes with simulations, VHF and GMDSS radio, GPS and chart plotters. The library is stocked with industry related publications, manuals, videos and DVDs that are constantly updated.