The Midlands Seafish Industry Training Association is one of 18 Group Training Associations set up by the Sea Fish Industry Authority, in the United Kingdom.
Their remit is quite simple to promote the benefits of training and developing staff to achieve their true potential in the Fishing, Processing/Distribution, Fish Frying and Retail sectors of the industry.
A Committee of industry representatives manages MSITA, overseeing the activities of the Association Staff and formulation policy to meet local training needs.
As a non profit-making organisation, we provide free, impartial help and advice on training-related matters to the processing, retailing and frying sectors of the industry.
Michael Pili, MSITA Business Development & Training Manager
Michael Pili has a long association with the fish and chip trade. His parents became friers in 1943 and Michael “officially” began work in the family business in Birmingham during 1960. Michael has owned and managed different shops in and around the same area and left his last business in Sutton Coldfield in 1992 to act as a relief frier.
He has sat on a number of committees, the Sea Fish Industry Authority, the now defunct Potato Marketing Board and at present is a local Forum Member to advise on the effects of “The Licensing Act 2003” to Food Premises. Michael had judged a number of national competitions including The Modern Apprentice of the Year, The Young Fish Frier of the Year and The Fish and Chip Shop of the Year.
His involvement with training began in the early 90’s when he became an invigilator for the Sea Fish Open Learning Food Hygiene Course and helped set up MSITA in 1998 in the capacity as Chairman. He took over the role as Training Co-ordinator in May 2001 and is keen to visit every fish business within the area.
Michael has undertaken training in a number of subjects: he is a TDLB Assessor, has qualifications in Health & Safety and HACCP Level 2, has taken the C.I.E.H. Advanced Food Hygiene Course and holds a current Professional Trainers Certificate.