Located in the heart of Newlyn Harbour, the new facility has been designed to help attract, train and retain local talent, giving residents access to essential maritime skills and qualifications without having to leave Cornwall.

Delivered by Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners with support from the Penzance Town Deal and Cornwall Council, the £2.1 million project is intended to strengthen Cornwall's marine sector and ensure the long-term sustainability of one of the county's most important industries.

Training opportunities for new and experienced seafarers

Seafood Cornwall Training will deliver a wide range of courses and qualifications from the new centre, supporting people at every stage of their career journey. Training will be available for those entering the fishing industry for the first time, as well as experienced fishermen, commercial crews and maritime employees looking to develop new skills.

Courses will cover key areas including:

• Sea survival
• Firefighting
• First aid
• Health and safety
• Marine engineering
• Watchkeeping
• Navigation
• Radio operation

These qualifications are essential for individuals seeking employment within Cornwall's fishing and maritime sectors and will help local workers gain the certifications needed to progress into more senior roles.

Creating local pathways into maritime careers

A significant benefit of the new centre is that it brings specialist training closer to local communities. Previously, many fishermen and maritime workers had to travel outside the area to gain skipper qualifications and other industry licences. The new facility enables learners to access professional development opportunities directly within Newlyn, reducing barriers to training and career progression.

The centre has been described as a "centre of excellence" for maritime learning and development, providing modern, purpose-built facilities that will help support the next generation of skilled workers.

Supporting Cornwall's future economy

Alongside training provision, the centre will also be home to organisations including the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS). Bringing training providers, regulators and marine scientists together in one location is expected to create new opportunities for collaboration, innovation and industry growth.

Investing in skills for generations to come

Leaders involved in the project believe the centre will play a key role in safeguarding Cornwall's fishing industry by ensuring local people can access the training, qualifications and support needed to build successful careers within the sector.

As Cornwall continues to develop opportunities in marine engineering, fisheries, maritime operations and related industries, the Newlyn Marine Skills & Resource Centre represents a major investment in local people, helping them gain the skills employers need while supporting one of Cornwall's most important economic sectors.