In 2016, Polar Seafood established a trainee programme to address the challenges associated with a generational shift in several key positions within the group. It is important to ensure that there is qualified and well‑educated local Greenlandic labour that can take on a range of roles in Polar Seafood, both now and in the future. The programme also ensures that Polar Seafood meets future regulations and legislative proposals. The current proposal under consideration seeks to ensure that 90% of officer positions are filled by individuals who have been residents of Greenland for at least two years. Furthermore, the programme provides local, talented and dedicated fishermen with opportunities to develop both professionally and personally.
Great success
Since its launch in 2016, the trainee programme has been highly successful and has trained a number of officers, most of whom continue to be employed at Polar Seafood today. Through the programme, participants can qualify as marine engineers, fisheries technologists and ship officers at third and first level. Training takes place both at sea and on land, and depending on the chosen education, the academic part is completed either in Nuuk in Greenland or in Denmark.
So far, the completion rate has been higher than the average for higher education programmes in Greenland, and there are strong ambitions to ensure that this remains the case. After completing their education, trainees are offered employment at Polar Seafood, helping to ensure that their skills are put into practice.
Polar Seafood places great value on the trainee programmes and strives to support trainees in the best possible way, helping them complete their education successfully. Support is provided both financially and through close contact with the programme administration. This close contact is intended to assist trainees with adjusting to student life in Denmark, managing homesickness and dealing with challenges related to both school and practical training.
The programme places strong emphasis on both professional and social development, as well as the individual’s wellbeing while on board the vessels and during the school periods. For this reason, biannual trainee gatherings and courses are held to strengthen the sense of community among the trainees and support their continued positive development.
Polar Seafood remains committed to developing and strengthening the trainee programme as a central element of the group’s long‑term strategy. The programme will continue to support the company’s competence needs and create clear educational and career pathways for future generations. Through ongoing evaluation and adjustment of the training courses, efforts are focused on maintaining a high completion rate and ensuring that trainees continue to receive the best possible conditions for professional development, wellbeing and long‑term affiliation with Polar Seafood.
Polar Seafood is the largest privately owned fishing company in Greenland, supplying reliable, high-quality Arctic seafood through our own fleet and processing facilities. With more than 40 years of experience, we deliver consistent supply, full traceability, and trusted partnerships across global markets.