Processing News
Passport to careers in seafood
New director to drive global sales
Three previously unemployed people are now in full-time work thanks to the Passport to Processing initiative that was created to promote seafood careers in the north-east of Scotland. THE aim of the pilot project is to highlight to young people the opportunities available in the seafood sector and provide support that could lead to jobs for the right candidates. Funded by the Scottish Seafood Partnership (SSP), the initiative is the brainchild of the Scottish Seafood Association (SSA) and is also supported by Aberdeen Foyer, the Prince’s Trust, Job Centre Plus and Skills Development Scotland. The project commenced in the summer of 2016, with seven candidates initially signing up to the scheme. The initial induction process involved candidates being given a tour of Peterhead fish market and local processing companies to show them the various roles in the sector. They also received training towards certificate of work readiness and in basic
Great opportunity
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I’m really enjoying the work here and being able to play a key role in the company’s success
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Above: Daryl Innes
food hygiene, manual handling and basic first aid. They were then given placements with three processors in Peterhead and one in Fraserburgh for work experience over a three-week period, with the hope of fulltime employment for those who enjoyed the experience and
met the requirements of the companies. Three are now in full-time employment, including Daryl Innes, 25, who is working as a process worker at Seafood Ecosse in Peterhead. Daryl said: ‘It’s great to have had this opportunity and I’m really enjoying the work here and being
able to play a key role in the company’s success.’ David Leiper, sales and purchasing director of Seafood Ecosse, said: ‘Passport to Processing is a fantastic initiative that is giving youngsters a helping hand to pursue worthwhile careers in the seafood industry.
‘I believe the future opportunities in the seafood industry are excellent – our fish stocks are sustainable and demand for quality Scottish seafood is growing all the time. ‘There are so many different types of job available in seafood processing and the sector offers careers with definite pathways for progression.’ Clare MacDougall, project manager for the Scottish Seafood Partnership, said: ‘We are delighted that the funding available from SSP has been able to support such a successful pilot project and permanent employment opportunities within the seafood sector.’
Young’s confirms Showalter as CEO BILL Showalter was confirmed last month as Young’s Seafood chief executive, after he took on the role of interim chief executive in addition to his roles as CEO/CFO of Young’s Seafood International Holdings last July. The company said his roles within the parent company and the operating company will be consolidated into one position, under a streamlined corporate structure. With extensive UK and
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international experience, Showalter has worked in the seafood, food and consumer facing industries for 29 years. He joined Young’s in 2013 and was appointed CEO of Young’s Seafood International Holdings in January 2016. ‘Young’s Seafood is the number one fish and seafood business in the UK and I look forward to continuing our work to strengthen the brand and the business,’ he said. ‘We are making signifi-
cant progress executing our Seafood on a permanent basis. strategic plan, in challeng‘His deep industry ing market conditions, experience coupled and will continue to with his strong be dynamic and relationships proactive in our reacross all our sponse to change.’ stakeholders Dale Morriprovides a son, chairman of strong and Young’s parent stable platform company, said: ‘We for us to are delightachieve ed that our Bill will business continue objecto lead Above: Bill Showalter tives.’ Young’s
YOUNG’S Seafood announced a key appointment last month to help drive its international business, which it now sees as an important part of its future growth strategy. Nick Munday (pictured above), sales director – international, joins the UK’s top selling fish and seafood business with a remit to increase overseas trade. The move reflects the interest in Young’s from the US to Australia, Asia and beyond, said the company. Munday said: ‘Driving the International programme is a great opportunity to inspire more people around the world to love fish now and for generations to come.’ Bill Showalter, chief executive of Young’s Seafood and CEO/CFO of Young’s Seafood International Holdings, said Munday ‘brings a wealth of experience in driving international growth’. ‘It is our belief that a fish loving nation is a happier and healthier nation and we look forward to introducing Young’s to more markets around the world.’
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07/02/2017 15:31:22