Maine Receives Federal Grant to Support Aquaculture Apprenticeship

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute has been awarded a half a million-dollar grant from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture in order to build an aquaculture workforce apprenticeship training program to increase efforts towards the states growing marine economy. The funding will directly support and launch one of the state’s first Aquaculture Apprenticeship Program where students will be provided with valuable experience, mentorship, and training in cutting edge industry technologies used by some of Maine’s biggest shellfish and sea vegetable Farms. 

Maine's aquaculture industry is vital to Maine’s economy but needs a skilled workforce to continue to grow and innovate. The Gulf of Maine Research Institute has developed a forward-thinking solution. This comprehensive, collaborative training program will train aquaculturists with in-demand knowledge and skills, helping students to secure good jobs and supporting the workforce needs of this important sector,"

Chellie Pingree, U.S. Representative for Maine's 1st Congressional District 

The program will also give the option of credentialed, aquaculture short courses at Southern Maine Community College where participants will be given the chance to start forming the basis for an Aquaculture Certificate while simultaneously earning college credit. Program development between SMCC, Washington County Community College, and Maines Department of Labor Apprenticeship to establish more pathways to dual-credit programs that enable fast-tracked degree completion. The Apprenticeship will also help to start creating industry standards for both shellfish and sea vegetables while also keeping in line with Maine's rapidly evolving and growing industry. If successful Maine hopes to expand these programs to more community colleges across the state. 

Read full article here: https://thefishsite.com/articles/maine-to-receive-500-000-in-usda-funding-to-support-local-aquaculture-industry