Fishmonger Apprenticeship

Fishmonger Apprenticeship

A fishmonger is a person who sells fish and seafood. They might be employed at a grocery, fish market, or seafood restaurant.

Fishmongers must be well-versed in a wide range of fish and seafood. They must identify different fish species and understand their texture, flavour, and nutritional value.

Fishmongers are needed to clean and prepare fish for sale. They may also be needed to fillet or shellfish.

Fishmongers must provide excellent customer service. They must be able to answer questions about the products they sell and give instructions on preparing and cooking the seafood.

Responsibilities

Throughout your apprenticeship, you may help:

  • take deliveries from suppliers
  • move stock to and from cold storage areas
  • set out produce in display cabinets
  • advise customers about different types of fish and cooking methods
  • prepare orders for shop customers and restaurants
  • take payments
  • keep work areas clean
  • order stock from wholesalers.

Salary

  • Starting salaries for an apprentice is £14,000 per year.
  • Experienced butchers can earn up to £25,000 per year.

Working hours

You will typically work 40 to 42 hours per week, including weekends and bank holidays.

Working environment

You could work at a store or on a market stall.

Your working environment may be cool.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Qualifications

Qualifications you can achieve as an apprentice fishmonger include:

  • Level 2 Fishmonger – Entry requirements for this level include some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship. This qualification will take 24 months to complete.

Skills

On a fishmonger apprenticeship, you’ll learn:

  • knowledge of food production methods
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to work well with others
  • knowledge of maths
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device.

Career path and progression

With experience and training you could become an assistant manager in a supermarket, a seafood chef or set up your own business.

You could also move into seafood wholesaling, supplying shops and restaurants.

Updated on December 31, 2022

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