Bord Iascaigh Mhara Careers

Are you someone who thinks that the Seafood Industry is only about boats, fish catches and a life on the ocean wave?

Well, think again...

Seafood Technologist Aileen Deasy

Water Quality Sensor Manufacturing (Aquaculture) Colm Lynch

Fisherman / Skipper Ivan Toole & Paul O'Sullivan

Fishmonger Nicola O'Higgins

Research & Development Manager Jane Kennedy

Fisherman Ger Hassett

Fish Shop Owner Anne Stephens

Oyster Farmer Gary Lamph

Commercial Diver Elizabeth Newman

Commercial Diving BIM

Seafood Production Manager Hannah Kelly

Fish Farm Manager Hugh Heraghty

Ships Engineer Brendan Cavanagh

Seafood Sales and Operations Manager Elsa Kelly

Brendan White, Fish Filleter

Brendan White is a Fish Filleter working for Albatross Seafoods in Donegal. He has done a number of different courses for his job, including a Filleting Course, a Forklift Course and two HACCP Courses, in the last few years. He has just completed a E.C.D.L course, which he found to be very helpful in his job.

Hi, Ask me a question...

What were the main 'career decision' milestones in your life so far?

My main career decision was to become a Fisherman. I got this opportunity at a young age. I left school and started out fishing straight away.

Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?

My father and my family.

How did you go about getting your current job?

I knew people who worked with Albatross Seafoods and I thought the work sounded just like what I would like to do. I went to the owner of the business, gave my C.V to him and it went from there.

Describe a typical day?

I start at 8.45 a.m sharp. I put on my uniform which entails boots, overalls, hairnet, gloves and apron. I then prepare my area of work - I wash the work top, table, etc., I then sharpen my knife, get the fish into the factory floor, fillet from bin and then put the fillets into a tray. From there the fish are weighed.

What are the main tasks and responsibilities?

My main tasks are to make sure that the fish are in the best possible condition before filleting and that the fillets are to the highest of standards. Working as a team is very important.

What are the main challenges?

We work with all different kinds of fish, and every fish has a different bone structure. It is a challenge to have to fillet all these fish in different ways. For me this is all in a days work, but it can be challenging at times.

What do you like most?

Doing the job I enjoy. I could be filleting 10 different types of fish in the day. Knowing that you are working for a company that produces quality products, is cool.

Is there anything that isn't great?

As we are very busy through the winter months it can be very cold. We cannot have any heat on in the factory floor due to the nature of our products. This is not nice through the winter months.

What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?

I can communicate well with the work force, I'm organised and I'm a good Filleter.

What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?

I took Metalwork, Construction and Business. These subjects taught me to be able to work with people. I know how important it is to be working with a good team of people who can work well with each other.

What is your education to date?

I did not go on to 3rd level education as I went on a fishing boat just after school. I am just after completing the E.C.D.L course which I found to be very helpful as more and more things you do now are computerised.

What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?

The computer course has helped me as now everything in this business has to be traced from the sea to the kitchen the fish go into.

We have a computerised label machine and we have to know how to change barcodes, dates, species, etc.

What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?

What has been most rewarding for me about my career is being able to make a good living out of something I enjoy doing. I enjoy a good lifestyle and have been able to purchase my own house and car.

What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?

I am a very efficient and responsible person. When I am doing something I like to make sure that I have done my very best with it. I'm patient and organised.

What is your dream job?

To have a position in the same business where it is not as cold and the hours are not so long. The hours are very irregular in my position.

Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?

What advice would you give to someone considering this job?

To prepare your work place first thing in the morning would be the most important part of my job.

What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?

Reliable, punctual and efficient.

What is your favourite music?

What is your favourite film?

The Good, Bad and the Ugly

What is your pet hate at work?

What is your star sign?

Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?

I have done a number of different courses for my job. I did a Filleting Course one year ago. I also did a Forklift Course two years ago and I've have done two HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) Courses in the past few years.

What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?

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