INTRODUCTION

The Caribbean Fisheries Training & Development Institute (CFTDI) is the primary institute in Trinidad & Tobago and the Caribbean Region with the capability and capacity to deliver information and training in the area of Fish Processing Technology. This is accomplised through its Fish Processing Unit, which provides training and skills development to individuals, agencies, and small and medium size fish processing establishments. It is also involved in the development of new fish products and conducting suitability trials using species of fish and shellfish int he region.

FACILITIES OF THE FISH PROCESSING UNIT

The facilities of the Fish Processing Unit have been sized at the level of cottage to medium size plant. It comprises a total floor space of 210 square metres in which is contained a fully equipped Receiving Area, Processing Hall, Packaging Room, Fish Smoking Room, Sensory Evaluation Laboratory and a Test Kitchen. In addition the facilities conform to the required and accepted health and sanitary standards in accordance with the Fish and Fish Products Regulations (1998) of Trinidad & Tobago and The Codex Alimentarius.

TRAINING STAFF

One Technical Instructor in Fish Processing. Quality Control and Quality Assurance: one Senior Fish Processing Assistant and four Junior Fish Processing Assistants.

The unit is also being supported by a Fish Processing Expert from Japan under a Technical Cooperation Programme between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

TRAINING PROGRAMME

The Fish Processing Unit provides training and skills development in the following areas:

• Handling of Fish On-board Vessels
• Handling of Fish In-plant
• Fish Processing Technology
• Quality Assurance and Quality Control in Fish & Fishery Products
• Fish Processing Technology and Fish Cookery for Teachers of Home Economics

ENTRY REQUIREMENT:

A medical certificate as a food handler is required.