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STUDENTS PASS THEIR EXAMS WITH FLYING COLOURS

Six young men from Whitby Fishing School pass their exams with flying colours! They will now join local fishing boats along the north east coast to develop their practical skills as competent commercial fishermen.

Back Row – Left to right: Thomas Lawlor, Tyrone Jeffrey, and Connor Pooley

Front Row – Left to right: Lewis Severs, Christopher Stratford, and Shaun Skelton

These young men are now knuckling down and learning the practical phase of their Level 2 Diploma course in Maritime Studies – Sea Fishing pathway. The Diploma course in Sea Fishing allows students from all walks of life to embark on a career at sea in the UK fishing industry.

Andrew Hodgson, Business Development Manager at Whitby Fishing School said: “We are very delighted that these students have successfully completed the first phase of their training programme. The fishing industry is hugely important to the North East coast, so it’s crucial that we provide highly trained and capable young people to the fishing industry”.

This course is made up of a mixture of both academic and practical hands-on learning. Each student is allocated a fishing vessel and whilst onboard they build up a wealth of practical skills by utilising all the theory they have learnt from the classroom phase. The vessel’s skipper then records their progress in their training record book as they become more proficient.

Whitby Fishing School is very appreciative to all the local skippers for offering placements onboard their fishing vessels. This really demonstrates a commitment from the skippers by passing on their skills and knowledge to the next generation of fishermen.

Additionally, retired skippers also teach students the methods with making knots and splicing rope as well as techniques on how to create and repair trawl nets and lobster pots. The Fishing School believe that this is a very effective way of teaching its students prior to working off shore on the North Sea.

One of the students explained that he decided to enrol on the Diploma course because he thought it would be a great way of getting into the fishing industry and gaining some recognised qualifications. He went onto say he had already completed the basic mandatory Sea Fish Industry Authority courses and now he looks forward to gaining some practical experience onboard a fishing boat.

After completing the 12 month Diploma course, the students will qualify as competent deck-hands. Throughout their course these students will gain valuable Maritime Coastguard Agency and Sea Fish Industry Authority approved safety certificates, as well as building up a seagoing logbook of over one thousand hours.

If you are interested in pursuing a career at sea please contact Whitby Fishing School on (01947) 825871 to discuss your career prospects.

THE START OF A NEW CAREER AT SEA

A new intake started on the 4th April 2016 at Whitby Fishing School as five young lads commence their training on the Diploma in Maritime Studies - Sea Fishing course.

Back Row – Left to right: Jack Cuffe, Craig Johnson, and Charlie White.

Front Row – Left to right: James Arro and Jackson Waite.

Five students are well underway with their studies at Whitby Fishing School. The young lads will knuckle down on the twelve month Maritime Apprenticeship programme.

The Modern Apprenticeship in Sea Fishing was launched in the UK in 2002, allowing students from all walks of life to embark on a career at sea in the UK fishing industry.

Andrew Hodgson, Business Development Consultant at Whitby Fishing Industry Training Centre, said: “We are delighted to start the new lads on the Sea Fishing apprenticeship programme. The fishing industry is hugely important to the North Yorkshire coast, so it’s crucial that we can provide the next generation of fishermen with the right skills, knowledge and practical experience to embark on a career at sea”.

This course is made up of a mixture of both academic and practical hands-on learning. Each student is allocated a local fishing vessel and whilst onboard they build up a wealth of practical skills by putting all the theory they have learnt from the classroom into practice. The vessel’s skipper then records their progress as they become more proficient.

The Fishing School is very appreciative to all the local skippers from the Whitby, Scarborough and Bridlington area for offering placements onboard their fishing vessels. This really demonstrates a commitment from the skippers by passing on their skills and knowledge to the next generation. Two retired skippers teach students at the Fishing School, passing on the practical skills required to work on board a fishing vessel. They said: “We are currently working with the students teaching the construction and repair of fishing nets and lobster pots, which plays a large part of the course. We believe that this is a very effective way of learning, rather than just explaining to them how to mend the nets, they get the chance to try it out for themselves, thanks to the fantastic training facilities here in Whitby”.

A new apprentice from Hull said: “I decided to enrol on this course because I thought it would be a good way of getting into the fishing industry and gain some recognised qualifications.

“We have already completed the mandatory Sea Fish Industry Authority courses which include; Sea Survival, Fire Fighting, First Aid and Health & Safety for New Entrants. So far, I’ve found it all really interesting.”

Another local apprentice said "I decided to study at Whitby Fishing School because I liked the idea of gaining both practical and theory based sea fishing training. Over the last month the training centre has given me the opportunity to gain not only maritime skills but also practical experience.”

“I enjoy being able to learn new and exciting things in such a friendly environment. My course instructors are always happy to help with any problems. I'm not too sure what job I want when I graduate next year, but I’m sure that having a portfolio of 12 certificates and a logbook of over 1500+ sea-going hours is going to help with securing a permanent job in the industry."

After completing the apprenticeship programme, the students will qualify as deck hands. Throughout their apprenticeship they will gain valuable Maritime Coastguard Agency and Sea Fish Industry Authority approved safety certificates, as well as building up a sea-going log which will stand them in good stead to work for many years to come in the fishing industry.

The school is currently accepting applications for the next enrolment. Application forms are available by contacting the school by telephone, calling in, or by printing the application from the website at www.whitbyfishingschool.co.uk

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WHITBY FITS DELIVERS 30 HOUR MCA APPROVED ENGINE COURSE

Do you get a buzz out of creating or fixing things? Are you a practical hands on person who is always trying to find out how things work? Whether you see yourself as a budding Marine Engineer, or are interested in how diesel engines work, our Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) 30 hour Approved Engine Course (AEC) will set you up for an exciting career within the maritime sector.

Whitby Fishing School management said the new maritime engineering facility will help curtail the current shortfall of skilled maritime engineers in the fishing industry. The Fishing School currently supports more than 30 Apprentices and the new engineering workshop will allow further expansion of the company.

A substantial capital investment was made by the company to refurbish an old lobster pot storage unit on Whitby Fish Quay. The newly refurbished workshop is equipped with the latest maritime engineering equipment designed to provide students with the skills required to support maritime engineering jobs of the future. The new facility offers students from the Whitby and surrounding area, as well as those further afield, progression into engineering positions in the fishing industry.

Whitby Fishing School’s Chief Executive, Anne Hornigold said: “The new investment will address much needed skills shortages within the fishing industry and will also equip the younger generation with a wider and general appreciation of basic marine diesel mechanics.”

“This course is seen as the first rung on the engineering ladder for those with no formal marine engineering experience and is an ideal introduction for those who wish to improve and enhance their employability skills.”

The four day course is delivered by our experienced Marine Engineer who is thoroughly professional in his approach to maritime engineering. He has a track record of achievement both in the commercial super yacht sector and as a retired Marine Engineering Officer in the Royal Dutch Navy.

The course syllabus includes practical sessions as well as all the theory requirements which cover: The principles of two and four stroke engine operation, construction of engines, the role of air in the combustion process, the fuel system, the cooling system, the lubrication system, engine electrical systems, power transmission, hull fittings, fault finding and rectification, safe working practices, bottled gas installations and pollution prevention.

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