Fishmonger

Job Description:

Fishmongers sell fish and seafood products, and give advice to customers on how to prepare them to cook and eat.

Job Category:

Food & Drink

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What you will do:

Your day-to-day duties could include:

taking deliveries from suppliers
moving stock to and from cold storage areas
setting out produce in display cabinets
advising customers about different types of fish, and cooking methods
preparing orders for shop customers and restaurants
taking payments
keeping work areas clean
ordering stock from wholesalers

Skills:

You’ll need:

knowledge of food production methods
knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
knowledge of maths
the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

As well as:

to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
the ability to work well with your hands
the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
the ability to use your initiative (ambition)
customer service skills

Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

To become a fishmonger, you don’t typically need specific GCSE subjects. However, certain subjects can provide a foundation of skills and knowledge that may be helpful in this profession, such as:

Mathematics: Basic math skills are important for measuring and weighing fish, calculating prices, and handling transactions.
Business Studies (or Economics): This subject can provide insights into business principles, customer service, and managing a retail operation if you plan to open your own fishmonger shop.
Food Technology/Home Economics: While not mandatory, having a background in food-related subjects can be advantageous as it provides a general understanding of food safety, hygiene, and handling.
English Language: Good communication skills are essential for interacting with customers and providing information about the fish and seafood products you offer.
Biology: While not strictly necessary, a basic understanding of biology can be helpful in understanding fish anatomy and different species.

While GCSE subjects provide a foundation, becoming a fishmonger typically involves practical experience and on-the-job training. Here are some additional steps you can take to pursue a career as a fishmonger:

Work Experience

Consider getting work experience in a fishmonger shop or a similar seafood-related business. This hands-on experience will help you learn about fish preparation, handling, and customer service.

Food Safety and Hygiene Certifications

Obtain relevant food safety and hygiene certifications, as handling fish requires adherence to strict health and safety regulations.

Knowledge of Fish

Study different fish and seafood species, their seasons, quality indicators, and preparation techniques.

Customer Service Skills

Focus on developing excellent customer service skills, as building relationships with customers is important in a retail environment.

Physical Fitness

Being a fishmonger can be physically demanding, so maintaining good physical fitness is beneficial.

A combination of practical experience, knowledge of fish and seafood, and customer service skills are essential for success in this profession.

Working Hours and Environment:

You could work part-time or full-time. If you’re full-time, you’ll usually work up to 40 hours a week, Monday to Saturday. You’ll start early if you’re picking up stock from wholesalers.

You’ll usually work as part of a small team, and you’ll be having lots of face-to-face conversations with customers.

You may be working in cold environments if you’re based on a fish counter or at an outdoor market. You’ll be provided with a uniform.

Career Path & Progression:

With experience and training you could become an assistant manager in a supermarket, a seafood chef or set up your own business.

You could also move into seafood wholesaling, supplying shops and restaurants.