Making Waves with the SFPA

Monday, March 14th, 2016

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) facilitate a unique experience for students to learn about Sea Fishing and Sea Food Sectors

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) working with Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) have established Skills @ Work partnerships with three post primary schools around Ireland and work with senior cycle students in Colaiste Gleann Li, Tralee, Co. Kerry, St. Brogan’s, Bandon, Co. Cork and Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana, Co Donegal.

Based in Clonakilty, County Cork, the SFPA has a number of offices in the major ports around the coast, at Killybegs, Ros a’ Mhíl, An Daingean, Castletownbere, Dunmore East and Howth.  Their staff  is committed to supporting a sustainable and profitable commercial fishing sector in Ireland, while protecting and conserving fisheries resources long term.

Susan Steele, Chair of the SFPA said: “The Skills @ Work Programme gives our employees the opportunity to support a local school by providing students with this unique and practical insight into careers in the fishing/sea food industry which they may not have considered before. We have been presented with a wonderful opportunity to not only develop our own personnel through the mentorship aspect of the partnership with BITCI but also to make a valuable contribution to our local communities. It is our pleasure to be associated with BITCI and to be part of this innovative programme.”

Students from Cork and Kerry visited the Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster (IMERC) in Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork while students in Donegal had the opportunity to board a state-of-the art fishing vessel in Killybegs Harbour.  Students met with SFPA staff to discuss their work and the various careers that exist within the fishing industry as well as benefiting from practical sessions on CV writing/interview skills delivered by Theresa Connolly and Suzanne Byrne of the Human Resources Department.

By supporting the Skills @ Work Programme, the SFPA recognise their commitment to the local communities in Donegal, Cork and Kerry. Links between local businesses and schools can have far reaching benefits for both sides of the link and offers wonderful partnership opportunities.