Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland

The Marine Institute is partnering with the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) to launch new aquaculture training programs. These programs are designed to equip new entrants, career changers and current aquaculture professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the rapidly growing aquaculture industry.

With its vast coastline and abundance of freshwater resources, Canada has the potential to become a global leader in sustainable aquaculture. However, to achieve this, the industry needs skilled workers who can contribute to the growth and development of the sector.

CAHRC, with funding from the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Workplace Solutions program, is investing $1.8 million to support the Marine Institute in developing and delivering four new, fully funded certificate-training courses offered across Canada via in-person classes or online studies.

Aquaculture expertise

“We are proud to partner with the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council in developing new courses aimed at providing management-level training for aquaculture employees and helping to expand the industry’s workforce,” said Dr. Paul Brett, Vice-President of Memorial University (Marine Institute).

“Our School of Fisheries brings 35 years of expertise in aquaculture training, research and curriculum development to the partnership to attract new employees to the industry and provide existing employees with new skills to advance their careers.”

Three of the courses are designed for new entrants to the aquaculture industry, while the fourth course is aiming to provide industry employees with skills training to manage day-to-day aquaculture operations.

Innovative program

“CAHRC is very pleased to partner with the Marine Institute for this new and innovative program that will provide the training required for new entrants into the aquaculture industry,” said Jennifer Wright, Executive Director, CAHRC. “The agriculture sector is facing a severe labour shortage and there needs to be new ways of attracting and training new entrants to help meet employment opportunities.”

Individuals can take one course as a certificate of achievement or complete all courses to receive the program certificate. Canadian aquaculture companies can also contact Marine Institute to customize these training programs for new entrants and current employees.

Further details on these aquaculture certificate programs are available online: www.mi.mun.ca/aquaculturecan.