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Fishmonger Green Job

Fishmongers sell fish and seafood products and advise customers on how to prepare them.

Annual Salary

£20,000 to £27,000

Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)

Working hours

40 to 45 a week

You could work: between 8am and 6pm;

4.8%
Future employment

There will be 4.8% fewer Fishmonger jobs in 2027.

Day to day tasks

On a typical day you might:

  • take deliveries and move stock to cold storage areas
  • prepare fish and shellfish and set out produce in display cabinets
  • advise customers about different types of fish and cooking methods
  • prepare orders for shop customers and restaurants
  • keep equipment and work areas clean

Working environment

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

You could work at a store or on a market stall.

Your working environment may be cool.

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly
College

You could do a college course like food preparation and cookery, which may help you when looking for a job as a trainee.

A certificate in food safety might also be useful.

Apprenticeship

You can do a Fishmonger Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This takes up to 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work

You could start out as a sales assistant and learn 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 might also be useful.

More information

Further information

You can find out more about working in the seafood industry from Seafish.

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With experience and training you could:become an assistant manager in a fishmonger's shop or supermarket; work as a seafood chef; set up your own business

You could also move into seafood wholesaling, supplying shops and restaurants.

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

You'll need:

  • knowledge of food production methods
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to work well with others
  • knowledge of maths
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
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