Community

Careers in fishing off the radar for most – but gaining interest among younger people

Published

2 months ago

October 8, 2025

A NEW survey by the North Atlantic Fishing Company (NAFCO) has revealed that most people in the UK are unaware of the career opportunities offered by the commercial fishing industry — although interest among younger generations is growing.

The study found that more than three-quarters (76.2%) of adults have never considered a career in fishing, and fewer than one in ten (8.9%) recall being told about fishing jobs at school. Girls were significantly less likely than boys to have received such information (5% compared with 15%).

Despite this general lack of awareness, younger respondents showed greater engagement with the sector. Around a quarter of 16–24 year olds (25.2%) and 25–34 year olds (27.5%) said they had considered a career in fishing, suggesting the industry is beginning to appeal to a new generation.

Phil Haslam, Managing Director at NAFCO, said: “It’s clear that career opportunities in modern fishing aren’t well understood, but this study highlights encouraging interest among younger people. Our challenge now is to close that knowledge gap, promote the wide range of roles available both at sea and onshore, and work with schools, colleges and skills networks to inspire the next generation.”

He added that part of the sector’s appeal may come from its combination of digital innovation and practical, hands-on work. “At a time when many young people are worried about automation and AI reshaping the job market, our sector offers skilled, enduring roles that cannot be easily displaced – and the chance to build a meaningful career supporting global food systems.”

Misconceptions persist

Many still view fishing through an outdated lens. Among those who said they would not consider the industry, the main reasons included being too old (25%), a lack of interest in maritime work (24%), fear of seasickness (16%), concerns about safety (12.5%), and a perception that the work is dirty or unsuitable (10%).

Over half of respondents (55.3%) associated fishing jobs almost exclusively with roles such as fishermen or deckhands. Only one in five recognised professional positions such as marine engineer, biologist, or quality control specialist — while 12% said they were unaware of any careers in the industry at all.

In reality, today’s fishing sector spans a wide range of fields, from marine enforcement and data analysis to logistics, robotics and virtual reality training.

Phil Haslam said: “The commercial fishing sector plays a vital part in global food security and provides one of the lowest carbon footprint proteins available. To maintain that contribution, we must change perceptions and explain how innovation is transforming the sector into a modern, safe and highly skilled industry.”

NAFCO is now calling for greater engagement with schools, training providers and business groups to attract new talent into the industry.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

3 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

4 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).