Aquaculture and Wild Harvest Training Programs

All aquaculture training programs can be found at the RI Aquaculture Permitting Website.

As more training programs are developed, the links to their websites will be found here.

Aquaculture

In-Person Worker Training Program (2015-present)

Moranda2The Aquaculture Training Program was created in 2015, receiving a planning grant to design training curriculum based upon the aquaculture industries employment needs. Led by The Education Exchange, a non-profit adult learning center in Southern RI, and Dr. Robert Rheault, Director of the East Coast Shellfish Grower’s Association, the program has been ongoing annually since 2015. The program is offered each spring and is a 5-week hands-on training aimed at entry-level farm workers. Key employment areas include Essentials Job Skills, Basic boating skills, Boating tools and maintenance, Shellfish biology, Dealer and Shipper Skills and ServSafe Kitchen Manager Certification. The Partnership started with 5 employer industry partners in 2015 and has grown to 46 industry partners and 30 strategic partners in 2017. The job placement rate has been 80 percent.

 

Online Worker Training Program

AquaTrain BRAND LOGO-FINALThe online program is a module-based platform for entry-level farm workers to gain the same skills they would during the in-person training program, only through an online approach. Additional modules will include emphasis on safety on the farm and skills to work with newer growing techniques and products (i.e. kelp). The online program is tailored to Rhode Island, but will include broad information that can be used by other states. The team has shared the online program locally, regionally, and nationally since 2021.

Acknowledgements and Partners:

Wild Harvest

As more training programs are developed, the links to their websites will be found here.