The fish filleting course will be held at Truro and Penwith College in Penzance on Wednesday 13th October, 9.30am till 4.30pm; the Seafood Quality Assessment course, also at Truro and Penwith College on Wednesday 20th October, 9.30am till 4.30pm; and the Introduction to Fish Mongery, on Friday 5th November, will be in Newlyn with an early start visiting the fish market.

The one day Introduction to Fish Mongery course, developed by Seafish in collaboration with the Billingsgate Seafood Training School aims to raise the skills levels of people who are interested in pursuing a career in Fishmongering. The course consists of both theory and practical modules including knife skills, hygiene, fish display presentation and customer service, the course tutor will be Annie Sibert, Seafood Skills Program Leader for Seafood Cornwall Training.

The final date confirmed today is for the Seafood Quality Assessment course. On this course, delegates will learn how to accurately assess the quality and freshness of fish using the TORRY scale and QIM (Quality Index Method) as well as the effects of temperature on the rate of fish spoilage.

Sarah Crosbie, Manager of Seafood Cornwall Training, explained, "the above courses can be attended individually or as a block and will be certified by Seafish. Equipped with new skills and increased confidence, trainees will be able to add real value to the South West's catch. Further dates and venues across the South West will be announced shortly. Anyone from the seafood sector involved in the catching, processing, marketing, selling, serving or distribution of fish can take part at a subsidised rate."

Samantha Davis, who has previously undertaken the fish filleting course and works with fishermen, commented, "the fish filleting course was very clearly and enthusiastically taught and it gave me confidence to tackle more complicated fish. There was a good course structure and materials and the course was really well run. I would recommend it to anyone in the seafood sector who wants to improve their skills."

The Regional Seafood Industry Skills project is part funded by South West Food & Drink (SWFD) and enables Seafood Cornwall Training, based in Newlyn, to provide specialist subsidised training programs in Fish Filleting, Fish Mongery and Seafood Quality, to aid the development of the shore based, seafood sector, across Cornwall and the South West.

For further information about the course dates, cost of courses and further details please contact Sarah Crosbie on 01736 364324