Aquaculture Apprenticeship Program
Maine
Fellowship/Internship
Gardiner
The first state-wide, nationally registered aquaculture apprenticeship program in the U.S., launched in 2023. Administered by MAA and GMRI, it provides 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training at shellfish/seaweed farms plus 144 hours of coursework at Southern Maine Community College.
Key Information
- • First statewide, nationally accredited aquaculture apprenticeship in the U.S.
- • Registered through Maine Department of Labor
- • 2,000 hours paid OJT + 144 hours coursework at SMCC
- • 12–18 month completion timeline; stipend for classroom time
- • Six farm placements across midcoast and southern Maine
- • No prior aquaculture experience required
- • Partners: MAA, GMRI, SMCC, Educate Maine, Maine DOL
- • 2023 pilot cohort: 6 apprentices; 60+ applicants in year 2
- • Funded by USDA NIFA
Additional Resources
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