Harry (24) from Cambeltown, Kintyre, never imagined a career at sea. After leaving school at 16, he trained as a heavy diesel apprentice but felt something was missing from his life. When Harry lost his license, he needed a fresh start. That’s when he came across The Clyde Coastal Training Scheme, a programme run by the Clyde Fishermen’s Trust, through a Facebook advertisement. With no fishing background but friends in the industry, he decided to give it a go.
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There were about eight of us on the course. Some were straight out of school, and there were a couple of older guys looking to own their own creel boat, and the rest of us were about 18 or 19 years old
Harry on board his fishing vessel
The comprehensive training program offers participants a fully funded three-week residential course which currently takes place in Oban. 'I learned knots, net maintenance, all sorts', says Harry. 'The instructors were very helpful and supportive. They brought in fishers from a wide variety of different boats to speak to us, their stories were inspirational. I couldn’t wait to get out there!' After earning his certifications in Sea Survival, Fire Fighting, First Aid, and Health and Safety, Harry secured a one-month, paid placement through the council. 'I came home from the course on Friday and got a call from a skipper on the Saturday saying I could go out with them.'
Consequently, The Clyde Fishermen’s Trust helped Harry find a post on another fishing boat, where he’s stayed ever since. He earned his first mate ticket and is now just two days from getting his skipper’s ticket.
'The training scheme was great. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them. I can’t ever see myself getting a job ashore now. The sea’s got me. It’s like a boy’s holiday!' he grins. 'It’s good craic, we have plenty laughs while we get the work done, which makes the days pass quicker.'
The Seafarers’ Charity is proud to have funded a Development Manager to grow the Clyde Coastal Training Scheme over the next three years. Backed by Argyll and Bute Council through the Scottish Government’s No One Left Behind initiative, the scheme provides training, hands-on experience, and support for local people of all ages looking to pursue a career in the fishing industry, with a particular focus on those who may have never considered a career at sea or those who face barriers to entry.
The next course in February 2025 is already oversubscribed.
It’s been great to see the new entrants course attract more talent into the industry. We’re delighted to get funding The Seafarers’ Charity and The Robertson Trust to develop this work over the next three years and open up the course to more people in the west coast of Scotland. - Jonathan Walker, project manager of The Clyde’s Fishermen’s Trust.
