WELCOME

Established in 2002 and ideally located situated in the Mission to Seafarers' Centre adjacent to the fish quay, the school, which is mainly funded via the Learning and Skills Council and the Sea Fish Industry Authority, is going from strength to strength.

The school offers training for new entrants to the fishing industry and experienced fishermen. Our most successful course is the full apprenticeship which offers an NVQ Level 2 in Marine Vessel Support - Deckhand. Apprentices reside within Whitby and with board and lodgings paid for them, they receive an allowance whilst training. Other courses for experienced fishermen are run via Sea Fish Industry Authority funding and are mostly free.

The school has great support from skippers and vessels along the whole of the east coast. The school began with four or five vessels willing to take apprentices, but now has over 30, with skippers contacting the school to request an apprentice. The skippers and crews are an excellent training resource, supporting the apprentices with their knowledge and experience, keeping them safe at sea and regularly liaising with the school to ensure their progress. The school recognises it could not have progessed so far without them.

We opened with financial support via a grant from Defra and kitted out to include a lecture room, IT suite, library/study room and kitchen as well as the administration offices. Trainees use computers with broadband internet access, interactive computer programmes with simulations, VHF and GMDSS radio, GPS and chart plotters. The library is stocked with industry related publications, manuals, videos and DVDs that are constantly updated.

A BIT OF HISTORY

Whitby has a history of seafaring which covers hundreds of years and includes connections with whaling and the coal & cargo trades. In 1706 Whitby was the sixth most major port in Britain, building 130 ships that year, and in Whitby large vessels continued to be built up to 1908 when the last one was launched. Today Parkol Marine continues the tradition of boat building, being recognised as one of the most successful and supporting the fishing fleets throughout the U.K.

Famously, Captain Cook became an apprentice to a Whitby ship owner in 1746. For 80 years (1753-1833) Whitby's fishermen were engaged in whaling - and the maritime trades and seafaring have continued in Whitby to this day and now includes the apprentices within our school.