Workforce Pathways

Aquaculture Programs

Aquaculture Pioneers Program

About the Program

Educate Maine manages the Aquaculture Pioneers Program, launched in 2022 to cultivate talent in this important and growing sector. It is both an internship and a certified pre-apprenticeship program. Participants can receive internship credit through their high school or higher education institution (if applicable) and can be enrolled as pre-apprentices, giving them a guaranteed interview and prior credit if they choose to pursue the full Shellfish and Seaweed Aquaculture Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program in the future.

Aquaculture Pioneers is a short-term, exploratory, summer-long program that places learners at aquaculture farms along the Maine coast for a meaningful, paid, hands-on work experience.

Participants begin with a two-day, in-person bootcamp covering the aquaculture industry in Maine and beyond, essential skills including boat safety and handling, knot tying, shucking, and manual labor ergonomics, farm tours, and networking with fellow participants, employers, and industry leaders.
Following the bootcamp, participants spend 10 to 12 weeks working and learning full-time on a Maine coastal aquaculture farm. Additional networking and professional development events throughout the summer provide the knowledge and connections to set participants up for success in whatever comes next. Participants are paid an hourly rate by their host farm for hours worked, with a guaranteed minimum of $15.10 per hour, though rates may be higher depending on the farm or prior experience.

Who is the program for?
Students, career changers, or anyone interested in exploring aquaculture before making a long-term commitment. No prior experience is required. Applicants must be 16 or older.

Application and program timeline

Please check back later. Information for the 2027 cohort is coming soon!

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Shellfish and Seaweed Aquaculture Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program

About the Program

Educate Maine is the Intermediary Sponsor for the Shellfish and Seaweed Aquaculture Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program, originally conceived, designed, and sponsored by the Maine Aquaculture Association (MAA). Educate Maine, MAA, and the Gulf of Maine Research Institute have proudly partnered to implement the program since 2023.

The apprenticeship is a year-long, career-focused pathway into Maine’s aquaculture industry. Under the guidance of an experienced business owner or employee, apprentices complete 2,000 hours of paid, on-the-job training and 144 hours of coursework through the Maine Community College System and supplemental learning experiences. Learning outcomes include vessel and vehicle operation, shellfish and seaweed culture, and food and regulatory compliance.

This is a hands-on, farm-based position. Applicants should be comfortable working on a boat or floating barge in a range of weather conditions. Hours vary by location, season, and tide, and weekend and early morning hours are required. Prior aquaculture or farm experience is not required, though it is a plus. A strong desire to learn and the ability to work as part of a team are essential.

Who is the program for?

Individuals ready to make a full-time job commitment and pursue a career in Maine’s aquaculture industry. No prior experience is required. Applicants must be 18 or older.

Application and program timeline

Please check back later. Information for the 2027 cohort is coming soon!

Who We Serve

We partner with aquaculture employers across the Downeast, Midcoast, and southern coastal regions of Maine to support experiential learning opportunities on working farms.

Participants in both programs represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and life experiences, from high school students and recent graduates to career changers and seasoned professionals. Past participants have ranged in age from 16 to their 50s. Some have grown up in Maine, others have made Maine their home, and some have come specifically to pursue these programs. Together, they bring diverse perspectives and skills that strengthen Maine’s aquaculture businesses and coastal communities.

How We Help You

Employers

Employers who host Aquaculture Program participants or registered apprentices become Educate Maine partner employers, with access to no-cost workforce technical assistance and program-specific administrative support.

Educate Maine creates, distributes, and manages a common application for participants interested in applying to one or both programs. Once applications are shared, employer partners are responsible for leading the interview and hiring process. Program staff are available to provide additional support and tools for building an effective interview process.

Employers are responsible for payroll for their Program participants and registered apprentices. Program staff are available to advise as needed.

Accepted Participants

Aquaculture Pioneers participants are referred to be evaluated for supportive services through their local workforce services provider. These services are designed to reduce barriers to entering or completing the program. Educate Maine staff can provide more information and connect participants with their local provider.