How to become a fishmonger
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
- specialist courses run by private training providers
College
You can do a Level 2 or 3 Certificate for Proficiency in Fish and Shellfish Industry Skills.
You could also do a more general retail course, like a Level 2 Diploma in Retail Skills.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Apprenticeship
You can do a fishmonger intermediate apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
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Work
You could start out as a sales assistant and work your way up by learning from trained members of staff in a fishmonger's shop or on a fish counter in a supermarket.
Direct Application
There are no set entry requirements if you want to apply directly. A good standard of general education will be helpful, including GCSEs in maths and English at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C).
Some employers may ask for a food hygiene certificate, although you can often get this once you start working.
Experience in retail or customer service will also be useful.
Other Routes
You can do short, specialist fish cookery courses through organisations like:
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Further information
You can find out more about working in the seafood industry from Seafish.