A skills programme aimed at developing future leaders in Grimsby’s seafood industry has launched.
A 海角视频 first, it has been created by Seafood Grimsby and Humber Alliance and the University of Lincoln’s National Centre for Food Manufacturing, providing a specifically designed career development framework for sector professionals. Fully-funded, with no charge to either participants or their employees, recruitment is underway for the first two cohorts for what is known as Seafood Talent Futures.
Representatives from leading seafood processing businesses in the town, Young’s Seafood, Hilton Seafoods 海角视频, New England Seafood and Regal Fish - along with Seafox Management Consultants - have collaborated, “underscoring the industry's commitment to developing the next generation of leaders who will drive sustainable growth and excellence in the sector”. Businesses will also host the sessions.
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It is the latest development from the successful £250,000 bid into Defra’s Skills and Training Fund to address acute shortages of skilled junior and middle managers in the processing sector, ensuring candidates are technically, socially and environmentally aware and adept at leading in a complex, fast growing and changing sector.
Prof Val Braybrooks MBE, dean of the faculty at University of Lincoln, said: ‘‘It’s great to see the project getting off to such a flying start and to be launching our first courses in Grimsby. This has been made possible by the huge level of support and collaboration given by the Seafood Grimsby and Humber Alliance’s members. Our plan is to continue to build the skills offer to include degree apprenticeships and make it accessible to businesses and learners across the 海角视频, providing opportunities for individuals and attracting and growing talent and investment into the sector.”
The programme will feature a series of workshops, seminars, and networking events that will enable participants to enhance their leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills. It will cover technical, production and processing elements, carbon reduction and sustainability, as well as effective leadership, promoting a modern workplace and business values.
Focus will be given to raw material sourcing and supply chains, quality, and continuous improvement - with technology and horizon scanning - with an assessment and presentation closing the programme. Additionally, participants will have the chance to engage in hands-on projects that address real-world challenges facing the seafood processing sector.
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It is structured over six days of attended learning over three months, with the first two cohorts starting next month. Participants are nominated by their training and development teams, ahead of an approvals stage. It follows introductory work with both students setting out on their career journeys and long-term unemployed.
Simon Smith, SGHA chair and vice chair of Young’s Seafood and parent company Sofina Foods Europe, said: “The Future Leaders programme is tailored to equip aspiring professionals with the skills, knowledge, and experiences required to excel in the dynamic seafood processing cluster in Grimsby. Participants will have the unique opportunity to engage with industry experts, conduct industry visits, gain insights into cutting-edge technologies, and explore sustainable practices that align with the industry's environmental goals.
“Our vision for the Future Leaders programme is to empower talented individuals with the tools they need to take the seafood processing industry to new heights in the global landscape we operate in. We believe that investing in leadership development is key to ensuring the continued success and competitiveness of our local seafood cluster."
Selected candidates will also have the opportunity to visit the highly regarded North Atlantic Seafood Forum in Bergen, Norway, next March, an annual event attended by global seafood business leaders to share industry insight and best practice.