Jesper Johnsen faces apprenticeship challenges in Sortland’s fishing industry

Eighteen-year-old Jesper Johnsen dreams of becoming a fisherman, but faces uncertainty in securing an apprenticeship. In his class of 24 students, six are without placements this year. Jesper, along with five other students from Sortland Upper Secondary School’s Øksnes branch, struggles to find apprenticeship opportunities, highlighting a nationwide challenge in the fishing industry due to declining fishing quotas.

Many fishermen can no longer afford to hire apprentices, prompting the Fishing Association to consider reducing apprentice wages to increase placements. Despite these difficulties, Jesper is assured of a position next year, though he will spend this limbo year working at an aquaculture facility.

The rising costs of apprenticeships pose significant financial challenges for boat owners. Apprentices can earn around one million kroner in a year, but with lower quotas and higher interest rates, many owners hesitate to accept apprentices. The pressure on the fishing industry has grown, causing concern among educational institutions, which have expanded their fishing programs in recent years.

Sortland High School’s administration is engaging with local fishermen to motivate them into taking on apprentices. They believe that lowering apprentice wages could encourage more boats to hire, thus ensuring that the training pipeline remains intact. However, many industry leaders are reluctant to lower wages due to established profit-sharing practices.

Despite the difficult conditions, Jesper remains determined and hopeful about his future in fishing, acknowledging that the lengthy and demanding hours can be rewarding. He views the possibility of reducing apprentice salaries as a potential solution, even as he emphasizes the need for fair compensation in such a challenging profession.