Trude Jansen Hagland, CEO of NCE Seafood and Lena Bekken, Program Manager Seafood Trainee. Photo: NCE Seafood
However, the vast majority of them risk losing their jobs in the industry. NCE Seafood is therefore inviting companies to seize the opportunity and secure some of the most competent and motivated minds who will help shape the future.
"More than 800 young talents have shown a strong desire to contribute to the seafood industry. They bring with them updated expertise, fresh perspectives and a passion for the profession. If the industry does not seize this opportunity, we risk that these talents will seek other industries," says Trude Hagland, cluster manager at NCE Seafood.
Young talents ready for a career in the seafood industry
Seafood Trainee applicants hold a bachelor's or master's degree and represent a wide range of disciplines, including HR, economics, technology, sustainability, fish health and aquaculture. They are now ready to use their expertise in one of Norway's most forward-looking industries.
All companies related to the industry can participate in the program and hire a Seafood Trainee.
"The enormous interest shows that these talents are ready for a career in the seafood industry. What is especially exciting is that we are seeing an increase in candidates with sought-after skills. For example, many with degrees in IT and AI/KI, Economics, HR, Sales, and logistics are applying in addition to the more industry-specific aquaculture, fisheries, and biology subjects. They bring with them the skills, ideas, and commitment needed to strengthen the industry," says Lena Bekken, program manager for Seafood Trainee.
New portal makes recruitment easier
To make it easier for companies to participate, NCE Seafood has launched a new digital career portal.
"The new career portal is designed to make the recruitment process both simple and flexible. Companies can now search among profiles and find the expertise they need. We hope that this solution lowers the threshold and makes it easier for more companies to find their trainee," says Bekken.
What makes a trainee a valuable resource for companies?
Unlike traditional internships, trainees in the Seafood Trainee program are full-time employees who contribute to the company's daily operations from day one. Experience-wise, the Trainees have a high learning potential, and with their strong motivation and dedication, they quickly become an integral part of the team.
Grieg Seafood is among the companies that have experienced how trainees can be a resource.
“For us at Grieg Seafood, the Trainee Program is a fantastic opportunity to bring in new graduates with relevant education and background. They bring new perspectives and new knowledge. Our trainees work in real positions and are included in our organization where they have the opportunity to learn and develop. At the same time, we demand quality and performance in our everyday operations. Most of our trainees have been offered permanent jobs with us after completing their trainee period, when there has been an opening for this,” says Tom Thorgersen, General Manager of Grieg Seafood Sales AS.
Tom Thorgersen, general manager of Grieg Seafood Sales AS. Photo: Silje Kathrine Robinson
In addition to working full-time in the company for a year, the trainees participate in a modular vocational program organized by NCE Seafood. Simen Eide Brøste, a trainee at the Norwegian Seafood Council, shares her experiences from the program:
– As a trainee in the market insight and access department at the Norwegian Seafood Council, I am given great trust to work on several international projects from the head office in Tromsø. Here I get to utilize my coding skills and challenge myself within my field of expertise, economic analysis and data processing, with good support from my knowledgeable colleagues. In addition, the Seafood Trainee sessions have been a safe arena to ask “stupid questions” and cultivate my curiosity about current issues in the industry,” shares Brøste.
Simen Eide Brøste, Seafood Trainee; Norwegian Seafood Council. Photo: Sverre-Leander Sundset
At the sessions, trainees are introduced to key parts of the seafood industry, and gain good insight into the value chain and the players in the industry. This is useful industry knowledge, and provides a steep learning curve – especially for candidates who come from fields of study that are not specifically aimed at the industry.
Open invitation to companies
NCE Seafood is now encouraging seafood companies to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Seafood Trainee Program. The new portal makes it easier than ever to find qualified and motivated candidates.
"With over 800 applicants to this year's program, it is clear that young talents want to enter the seafood industry. This is good news, and bodes well for the future of the industry," concludes Bekken.
Photo: Silje Katrine Robinson
Contact:
Lena Bekken
lena@seafoodinnovation.no
Tel. 913 16 623
