USA's first aquaculture apprentices graduate this week in Maine

This week, Maine is celebrating the graduation of the USA’s first accredited aquaculture apprenticeship program, which aims to fill critical workforce shortages in the rapidly growing seafood farming industry.

The pioneering program, developed by the Maine Aquaculture Association (MAA) and Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI), and accredited by the Maine Department of Labor, has trained six apprentices over the past year, providing them with 2,000 hours of practical experience and 144 hours of technical instruction. These graduates are now ready to enter various roles within the aquaculture sector.

The graduation ceremony, scheduled for September 12, 2024, at GMRI in Portland, marks a significant achievement in workforce development for the aquaculture industry in Maine. During their apprenticeship, participants received in-depth training that covered farm management, environmental sustainability, and aquaculture operations, with the aim of preparing them for leadership roles in the field.

“We are excited to be celebrating the graduation of the first aquaculture apprentices in the nation,” said Maine Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman, who will be a speaker at the ceremony.

“With the expansion of registered apprenticeships into new occupations such as this one, both Maine workers and employers are benefitting from this proven 'earn while you learn' training model. Congratulations to the graduates, I look forward to seeing how you use your demonstrated skills to strengthen and leverage the variety of opportunities in Maine’s growing aquaculture sector," Fortman added.

A report by the GMRI, part of the Maine Aquaculture Workforce Development Strategy, emphasized the importance of a skilled workforce to support the future growth of Maine’s aquaculture sector. It identified the creation of a Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship program as one of four key components needed to ensure the sector's sustainability.

MAA and GMRI developed the apprenticeship with funding from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The program, which launched in January 2023, was designed with substantial input from industry experts, ensuring it addresses the practical needs of the sector.

Carissa Maurin, GMRI’s Aquaculture Program Manager, noted, “Through this comprehensive approach, the program aims to build a skilled workforce well-equipped to advance sustainable aquaculture in Maine, addressing the industry's growth and resilience needs.”

The program’s success has been evident, attracting over 25 applicants for its initial six spots and more than doubling in interest for its second year, with over 60 applicants.

One of the graduates, Katherine Lipp, has already begun to make an impact in her new role at the Maine Aquaculture Association, where she engages with the farming community. Reflecting on her experience, Lipp said, “I am so proud to have completed this program. As apprentices, we all worked very hard to complete the required hours, and it feels gratifying to end it all with a graduation ceremony. It took a lot of people and effort to make this program a reality, so I think that is worth celebrating.”

This apprenticeship marks a major milestone in the development of Maine’s aquaculture workforce, helping to prepare the industry for future growth and long-term sustainability, the program directors say. Ongoing collaboration between MAA, GMRI, and state and federal agencies is expected to expand the program, and potentially serve as a model for other regions.

The Maine Department of Labor said it remains dedicated to supporting innovative workforce solutions and helping create valuable career opportunities for future generations.