Yorkshire fish and chip chain puts apprenticeships on the menu
For the past fifty years, the Wetherby Whaler has been bringing a taste of the ocean to the heart of Yorkshire.
From its humble beginnings as a Tadcaster fish and chip takeaway, the family-run business has grown to boast seven sites across the region, serving almost 750,000 portions of haddock to its hungry customers every year.
And with its eyes always set on the future, a few years ago the company decided to invest in its ongoing success by offering apprenticeships to its staff for the very first time.
Fish Frier Apprenticeships are now available from numerous training providers across the UK, offering individuals of all ages, roles and levels of experience the chance to learn how to deliver the perfect fish and chip experience.
Sharell Richardson, Senior Manager of the Wetherby Whaler, commented:
Within our restaurants we have a wealth of very driven, ambitious individuals. It’s them who’ve inspired us to bring apprenticeships into the business.
We embarked on an apprenticeship programme in partnership with a Seafish recognised apprenticeship provider.
![Front view of The Wetherby Whaler and outside seating area](/media/frcnqa1h/the-wetherby-whaler.jpg?v=1dad9ee2df425f0)
Sharell explained that, along with supporting the development of the fish frying skills that underpin the Wetherby Whaler’s success, one major benefit of apprenticeships was to help broaden the horizons of the staff taking part. The hands-on, structured training encouraged talented team members to consider fish and chips as a serious career option.
Not only do we want to invest in our team by giving them industry-recognised training, but we also want to shatter the misconception that a job in fish and chips doesn’t offer career development. This type of training gives them the chance to build a strong foundation to advance in the industry.
For staff an apprenticeship provides an avenue to progress in their own careers. For us as a business it means we’ll be able to attract new staff and retain skilled and motivated employees – something that will ultimately help drive the Wetherby Whaler forward.
Further information
Visit the Wetherby Whaler website.
For information and details of your nearest apprenticeship provider, please visit our Seafood business apprenticeships webpage.