Fishmonger

Typical Salary

£14,000 To £21,000

Typical Hours

40 to 42 a week

between 8am and 6pm

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 / University

You can do a Level 2 or 3 Certificate for Proficiency in Fish and Shellfish Industry Skills.

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

Apprenticeship

You can do a fishmonger intermediate apprenticeship.

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

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.

There are no set entry requirements if you want to apply directly, but a good standard of general education will be helpful, including GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in maths and English. 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 the Billingsgate Seafood School, Seafish Training and the Seafood Training Academy.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of food production methods
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
the ability to work well with your hands
the ability to work well with others
knowledge of maths
the ability to use your initiative
the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

On a typical day you might:

take deliveries from suppliers
move stock to and from cold storage areas
set out produce in display cabinets
advise customers about different types of fish, and cooking methods
prepare orders for shop customers and restaurants
take payments
keep work areas clean
order stock from wholesalers

Working Environment

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

Your working environment may be cool.

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

Career Path & Progression

With experience and training you could become an assistant manager in a supermarket, a seafood chef or set up your own business.

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

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

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

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.