Fish Worker OPERATIONS/PRODUCTION/ SKILLED TRADES FISH WORKER Fishing is one of the oldest professions dating back to the Mesolithic period. Fishermen would navigate the sea, returning their catches to their community. They may have sold the catches to local fish markets or brought them to their families. Fishing today looks different, nowadays many fishermworkers may sell their fish to processors who turn fish into ready-made products. Just think of all the fish-related products in your local supermarket! That’s thanks to fish workers/food processors! Despite the rise of automation processing fish is challenging. That’s why processors need skilled professionals who can break down fish so it can be used in cooking. These professionals are known as fish workers and are essential to feeding millions. 1. Fish Workers Understand Fish Fish workers are responsible for handling, caring, processing and cleaning an assortment of fish species for customers. These professionals perform various duties which vary depending on the where they are employed. Some fish workers sort and organize fish along conveyor belts making sure that only the highest quality fish are used. Others may work as fish boners because they cut, clean and trim whole fish by hand. In seafood plants (ex. shrimp and crab), these individuals disjoint meat from crustaceans for further processing. Alternatively, some fish workers are known as machine operators because they set up and operate machinery to process and package fish and seafood products. Operating processing equipment includes assembling equipment for production, checking product quality and adjusting machines. 2. Fish Workers Understand Fish You would think that in today’s world of technological advancements fish in factories would be filleted by a machine, but this is not the case. Most fillets are still cut by hand—fish even of the same species do not come in the same size, shape or weight. Because a fish’s bones are delicate, the human hand is the most efficient at filleting without destroying a piece of fish. Due to hands-on experience, fish workers are very familiar with fish anatomy and how to cut them into different size. Overall, fish workers truly understand fish. Not only that, but they also know how seasonal changes and locations change the size and texture of fish. Those interested in getting a head start in learning about fish can ask a butcher at any local supermarket. They are a wealth of information and are happy to share their knowledge. 3. Fish Workers do Not Need Postsecondary Education Becoming a fish worker is an excellent career for anyone looking to enter the food manufacturing industry without a postsecondary education. Employers generally only require a high school diploma or equivalent. Many processing plants also require no past work experience and are willing to train newcomers. However, for more specialized roles and fish requiring a more delicate touch, employers require over a year of work experience. Being a fish worker is a good starting role where you can build a rewarding career in a company. For example, an individual can start in production and eventually work up to a machine operator, supervisor and potentially a director a company! 4. Fish Workers Have Physically Demanding Jobs As you might expect, fish workers have physically demanding jobs that require them to spend nearly all their time on their feet with intense focus. These professionals are constantly working with their hands, sorting fish, or cutting fish with sharp tools. Cutting a fish requires not only manual dexterity, but also hand-eye Fish Worker Bringing fish from the ocean to your plate Photo by pressmaster/stock.adobe.com Check our career profile on machine operators to learn more about this role! 18
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