ease. The key to successful remote assessments is planning and having a good internet connection. John and Dayton both felt comfortable with this method of assessment which was new to them.”David Miller, Miller’s Fish & Chips These remote assessments allow fish friers to be assessed safely in their own working environment. The learner can study the learning materials where and when they want to and at a pace that suits them. There are also benefits for the assessor as they save on both travel time and travel costs.
Practical fish frying skills can be assessed remotely Richard Wardell, Seafish Onshore Training Advisor, analyses how practical assessments have been adapted during the Covid-19 pandemic
Jonathan France has owned the Fish Bank in Sherburn In Elmet for 18 months. In that time, he has had to adapt his business operations due to the pandemic. He realised that he could improve his skills and knowledge by studying for the Fish Frying Skills qualification. In January 2021 he was awarded with his certificate by the NFFF. He says: “I learnt a lot from the two self-study workbooks. Being assessed by award-winning fish frier Ashley Phillips of Shap Chippy was great. He made me relax and the technology for completing the exam was easy
I
t’s not only the way that we learn that has changed
to use. I would encourage other fish friers to undertake
during the Covid-19 pandemic but also how we conduct
this valuable industry qualification.”Jonathan France,
assessments and exams. A great example of this
owner of Fish Bank
modified approach is with the jointly awarded Seafish and National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) Fish Frying Skills
Jonathan France, owner of Fish Bank
qualification. Owing to the technology that is available,
If you or one of your colleagues would like to
the qualification can be assessed remotely without the
register for the qualification, please contact
assessor stepping foot inside the candidate’s fish and chip
Helen Brook at the NFFF on 0113 3208276
shop.
or email Helen@nfff.co.uk.
In 2019, I worked with Mark Drummond who was representing the NFFF, to update the learning and assessment materials. The alterations reflected the fact that many shops now use ready-prepared chips and fry using high efficiency ranges. There is more focus on sustainability and the health aspects of frying medium. By 2020, fish friers were being assessed utilising these revised materials. Then the world was turned upside down by the coronavirus. Both we and the NFFF were keen to find a new way for the assessments to be conducted. Following several planning discussions, Mark conducted the first two pilot remote assessments with John and Dayton. They work at the award-winning Miller’s Fish & Chips in Haxby near York. Using Facetime, Mark was able to evaluate the preparation and cooking skills of both fish friers on separate days. Also,
Become a Seafood Champion Seafish are looking for Seafood Champions individuals and businesses who catch, supply and serve great fish and shellfish - to help us inspire the nation to eat more seafood.
A
s a Seafood Champion you’d share your story and feature in marketing campaigns or PR opportunities, promoting your business under the Love Seafood
banner. This could involve sharing recipes on Love Seafood
I invigilated the 40-question online multiple-choice exams
channels, working with celebrities or influencers to
for both learners using Zoom.
showcase your business or products, featuring in media
Owner of Miller’s Fish & Chips, David Miller said: “Both the assessment of the practical skills along with the multiple-choice exam were completed with remarkable 6
Fastfood Professional • June and July 2021
articles, advertising campaigns or at events. Interested? To find out more email loveseafood@ seafish.co.uk and tell us about your seafood story. June and July 2021 • Fastfood Professional
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