Progress 12/01/23 to 11/30/24

Outputs
Target Audience:The primary audience for this initiative consists of individuals and businesses within Maine's shellfish and seaweed aquaculture community, as well as those aspiring to enter the field. This includes a diverse range of stakeholders such as established shellfish and seaweed farmers, new entrants looking to start their own aquaculture businesses, and those seeking employment opportunities within the sector. Additionally, the initiative aims to support and engage individuals who may not yet be actively involved in aquaculture but are interested in transitioning into the industry, whether they come from related fields like commercial fishing, marine biology, or coastal resource management, or from entirely different backgrounds with transferable skills. Our efforts to reach this audience were carefully tailored to ensure that both potential host businesses and apprentices had access to relevant information, resources, and opportunities through targeted outreach and engagement strategies. By understanding the specific needs and challenges of each segment within the aquaculture community, we were able to refine our approach and maximize participation in the apprenticeship program. Host Business Outreach Strategy To identify host businesses willing to mentor and train apprentices, we executed a precision outreach campaign directed specifically at Maine's shellfish and seaweed farms. These farms, which range from small, family-run operations to larger, commercially scaled enterprises, are the backbone of Maine's growing aquaculture sector. Our goal was to connect with businesses that not only had the capacity to host apprentices but also demonstrated a strong commitment to workforce development and knowledge-sharing within the industry. The outreach process involved a combination of direct communication, industry networking, and collaborative partnerships. Some of the key methods we employed included: Direct Outreach to Farms: We conducted extensive outreach to farms across Maine through phone calls, emails, and in-person visits. By speaking directly with farm owners and managers, we were able to gain insight into their specific workforce needs and assess their interest in serving as host businesses for the apprenticeship program. Industry Conferences and Events: We leveraged industry events, such as the Maine Fishermen's Forum, the Northeast Aquaculture Conference & Exposition (NACE), and the Seaweed and Shellfish Festival, to connect with farm operators and introduce them to the benefits of participating in the apprenticeship program. These events provided an opportunity for face-to-face engagement and allowed us to address questions, gather feedback, and build relationships with potential hosts. Collaboration with Industry Associations: Working closely with organizations such as the Maine Aquaculture Association (MAA), the Maine Seaweed Council, and the East Coast Shellfish Growers Association, we were able to tap into their existing networks to identify farms that could serve as host businesses. These organizations played a crucial role in disseminating information about the apprenticeship program and encouraging their members to get involved. Promotion Through The Maine Aquaculturist: The Maine Aquaculturist, GMRI's industry resource hub, served as a valuable platform for sharing information about the apprenticeship program. We published articles highlighting the benefits of hosting an apprentice, success stories from participating farms, and details on how businesses could apply. Word-of-Mouth and Peer Referrals: Given the tight-knit nature of Maine's aquaculture community, word-of-mouth played a significant role in expanding our outreach efforts. Many of the farms we initially engaged with recommended the program to their peers, helping us reach a broader audience. Apprentice Recruitment Strategy Attracting potential apprentices required a multifaceted approach that leveraged GMRI's extensive network, industry partnerships, and strategic use of digital and in-person outreach efforts. Our goal was to reach a diverse pool of candidates, including young professionals, career changers, students, and individuals from coastal communities interested in gaining hands-on experience in aquaculture. The key components of our apprentice recruitment strategy included: Social Media Engagement: We utilized social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter to promote the apprenticeship program and engage with potential applicants. Targeted posts featuring testimonials from past apprentices, behind-the-scenes farm footage, and informational graphics helped raise awareness and generate interest. Industry Listservs and Newsletters: We distributed program announcements through industry-specific listservs, including those managed by MAA, the Island Institute, Maine Sea Grant, and other relevant organizations. Additionally, we included apprenticeship recruitment messages in GMRI's and MAA's newsletters, ensuring that the information reached both established aquaculture professionals and newcomers interested in joining the industry. Collaboration with Academic Institutions: Given the increasing interest in aquaculture among students and recent graduates, we worked closely with academic institutions such as the University of Maine, Southern Maine Community College, and College of the Atlantic to promote the apprenticeship program. We conducted virtual and in-person presentations for marine science, fisheries, and aquaculture-related courses, helping students understand how the apprenticeship could serve as a stepping stone into the industry. Partnerships with Nonprofits and Workforce Development Programs: We partnered with organizations focused on workforce development, such as the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association and The Island Institute, to connect with individuals seeking career transitions into aquaculture. Additionally, we engaged with veterans' groups, trade schools, and coastal economic development organizations to broaden our outreach. Public Information Sessions and Webinars: To ensure that potential applicants had a clear understanding of the program, we hosted a series of virtual and in-person information sessions. These sessions featured presentations from program coordinators, testimonials from past apprentices, and Q&A opportunities, allowing prospective apprentices to make informed decisions about applying. Impact and Continued Engagement Through these outreach efforts, we successfully connected with a wide range of individuals and businesses, building a strong network of host farms and apprentices. The program not only provided hands-on training and career development opportunities but also strengthened industry collaboration and workforce resilience in Maine's aquaculture sector. Looking ahead, we continue to refine our outreach strategies based on feedback from participants and industry partners. As Maine's aquaculture industry evolves, we remain committed to fostering workforce development, supporting emerging farmers, and ensuring that the apprenticeship program serves as a valuable resource for both host businesses and aspiring aquaculturists. By maintaining strong relationships with past apprentices and host farms, we aim to create a lasting impact that extends beyond the initial training period. This includes ongoing mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to resources that help apprentices transition into long-term careers in aquaculture. As the program grows, we will explore additional ways to enhance outreach and engagement, ensuring that the initiative continues to meet the needs of Maine's dynamic and rapidly evolving aquaculture community. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The USDA Aquaculture Apprenticeship Program at GMRI has provided apprentices with extensive hands-on training and professional development opportunities to help them build successful careers in the aquaculture industry. Through immersive, on-the-water experiences, apprentices develop essential skills in farm operations, including species husbandry, gear handling, and farm maintenance. In addition to fieldwork, the program offers technical workshops on topics such as biosecurity, shellfish and seaweed farming techniques, water quality monitoring, and farm business management. Apprentices also receive training in critical business and financial skills, including farm business planning, permitting, regulatory compliance, and financial management, equipping them with the knowledge needed to pursue farm ownership or leadership roles. Networking and mentorship are key components of the program, allowing apprentices to connect with experienced farmers, researchers, and industry professionals through farm visits, mentorship opportunities, and industry events. To further expand its impact, the Related Technical Instruction (RTI) course, originally designed for apprentices, is now being offered to students outside the apprenticeship program through Southern Maine Community College, broadening access to aquaculture education and workforce development. The program also provides career advancement support, including resume building, job placement assistance, and exposure to different career pathways within the sector, ensuring apprentices are well-prepared for the diverse opportunities in the aquaculture industry. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results of the USDA Aquaculture Apprenticeship Program have been actively disseminated to communities of interest through a variety of industry events, presentations, and engagement efforts. Program leaders have shared findings and insights at major conferences, including oral presentations at the Northeast Aquaculture Conference and Exposition (NACE) and Aquaculture America, where they highlighted the program's impact on workforce development and the growing need for structured aquaculture training pathways. Beyond these national and regional conferences, the program has been showcased at various industry events, workshops, and stakeholder meetings, facilitating direct engagement with aquaculture professionals, educators, policymakers, and prospective apprentices. Additionally, the program has collaborated with industry partners and educational institutions to broaden awareness and accessibility, including the expansion of its Related Technical Instruction (RTI) course to students outside of the apprenticeship through Southern Maine Community College. Through these dissemination efforts, the program continues to contribute to discussions on workforce development, ensuring that its findings and best practices inform the broader aquaculture community. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period, we will focus on successfully completing the 2024 cohort's training by ensuring apprentices fulfill their Related Technical Instruction (RTI) classes and required on-the-job training hours. This will culminate in a graduation ceremony, recognizing their accomplishments and transition into the aquaculture workforce. Additionally, we will continue sharing program insights and outcomes with the broader industry, including a planned presentation at Aquaculture America in March 2025, where we will highlight the program's impact on workforce development and discuss future directions. These efforts will further our goal of strengthening aquaculture career pathways and expanding opportunities for individuals entering the sector.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 2023 Apprentice Cohort The 2023 cohort of apprentices engaged in a series of educational and hands-on training experiences designed to prepare them for careers in aquaculture. In January 2024, apprentices attended two intensive 40-hour courses: *Introduction to Shellfish Aquaculture* and *Introduction to Seaweed Aquaculture.* As part of their training, they toured Downeast Institute's shellfish hatchery, gaining insight into shellfish propagation and hatchery operations. The following month, apprentices visited Atlantic Sea Farms' seaweed processing facility to observe post-harvest handling and value-added production. In March 2024, they completed a two-day, 14-hour *Yamaha Motor Maintenance and Repair* course, equipping them with essential skills in marine engine maintenance. The cohort's journey culminated in September 2024 with a graduation ceremony attended by Maine's Commissioner of Labor, who read a letter from Governor Janet Mills in support of the program. The event also received media attention, with a local news broadcast highlighting the program's impact on workforce development in the aquaculture industry. All 6 apprentices are still working in Maine's aquaculture industry and money received promotions after completion of the apprenticeship. 2024 Apprentice Cohort The 2024 cohort began with the launch of host farm applications in November 2023. By the December application deadline, 13 farms had applied for six available host positions. Five oyster farms were selected: **Mere Point Oyster Co., Muscongus Bay Aquaculture, Ferda Farms, Blackstone Point Oyster Co., and Madeleine Point Oyster Co.** Islesboro Marine Enterprises, which farms mussels and kelp, was also selected. Of these farms, four were returning hosts from the previous year, while two--Blackstone Point Oyster Co. and Madeleine Point Oyster Co.--joined the program for the first time. In January 2024, apprentice applications opened, and by the February deadline, the program had received an overwhelming 60 applications. Farms conducted interviews and made their final selections in March. However, Islesboro Marine Enterprises was unable to find a suitable match and opted to withdraw from the program. To maintain the cohort size, Muscongus Bay Aquaculture was given an additional apprentice, ensuring that six apprentices could participate.Additional funding from a private foundation in April 2024 allowed the program to expand further, covering stipends and gear for four additional apprentices. As a result, Mere Point Oyster Co. and Blackstone Point Oyster Co. each received a second apprentice, and two new farms--**Bangs Island Mussels and Love Point Oyster Co.**--were welcomed into the program. Apprentices began their training with the *Introduction to Aquaculture Bootcamp*, a one-week, 40-hour intensive course in April 2024. As the program progressed, challenges arose, including the departure of one of the two apprentices at Muscongus Bay Aquaculture in August 2024 after realizing aquaculture was not the right career path for them.In September and October, apprentices participated in a *Farm Tour* class, where each apprentice led a tour of their respective farm, allowing their peers to gain firsthand knowledge of different farming operations. The year concluded with another round of intensive training in December 2024, when apprentices attended both the *Introduction to Shellfish Aquaculture* and *Introduction to Seaweed Aquaculture* 40-hour courses, reinforcing their knowledge and preparing them for future careers in the industry.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Maurin, C.E, Oral Presentation: Establishing a Comprehensive Workforce Training System for Maine's Aquaculture, NIFA Project Directors Meeting, April 2024
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Maurin, C.E, Oral Presentation: Maine Shellfish and Seaweed Aquaculture Apprenticeship A Partnership Between Industry and the Community College System, Aquaculture America, February 2024
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Maurin, C.E, Oral Presentation: Maine Shellfish and Seaweed Aquaculture Apprenticeship A Partnership Between Industry and the Community College System, Northeast Aquaculture Conference and Exposition, January 2024

Progress 12/01/22 to 11/30/23

Outputs
Target Audience:Our focus for this initiative was the Maine shellfish/seaweed aquaculture community and individuals aspiring to work in this field. To identify host businesses for the apprenticeship program, we executed precision outreach efforts directed at Maine farms. In reaching out to potential apprentices, we leveraged the extensive networks of GMRI and MAA through strategic use of social media platforms, industry listservs, and collaborations with key stakeholders such as aquaculture farms, non-profits, and academic institutions. Changes/Problems:Out of the six farms initially engaged, five successfully made their selections and hired apprentices. Unfortunately, one of our chosen host farms, a valued steering committee member, faced an unexpected turnover in key personnel. Regrettably, in March 2023, they had to withdraw from the program. Despite this unforeseen challenge, we forged ahead with the program, maintaining active participation from five farms and their corresponding apprentices. In May 2023, a host farm requested to include a recent hire in the apprenticeship, despite the completion of the boot camp. We granted permission for this new hire to join the apprenticeship bringing out apprentice numbers back to 6 to satisfy the terms of this grant. The individual is scheduled to participate in the boot camp course in 2024, aligning with the next cohort of apprentices. SMCC has had difficulty maintaining adjunct faculty to teach the RTI courses since the completion of the boot camp in April 2023. The 24-hour online speaker series RTI has been delayed because of this. GMRI has stepped up to be the instructor for the farm tours and other RTI courses currently. SMCC is actively in the process of hiring a new team member to oversee the coordination of the upcoming 24-hour online speaker series, originally scheduled for launch in September 2023. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project has enabled GMRI to become more involved in aquaculture education in Maine. Recognizing our expertise, Educate Maine Aquaculture Pioneers boot camp invited GMRI as a guest speaker to provide insights into the apprenticeship program. On May 15, 2023, GMRI hosted an aquaculture touch tank at the Northeast Livestock Expo (NELE) Kid's Day, engaging with over 2,000 children to instill the concept that aquaculture is an integral part of agriculture. Similarly, at the Sacopee Valley Elementary School Agricultural Day, attended by approximately 350 children, GMRI ran an aquaculture touch tank to further emphasize the connection between aquaculture and agriculture. GMRI's commitment to continuous learning and collaboration was evident in our visits to various industry facilities, including USDA ARS, UMaine CCAR, Kingfish facilities, Sea Meadow Boat Yard/Launch, Canopy Farms, and Springworks. These visits provided valuable insights into RAS systems and aquaculture businesses in Maine. Moreover, GMRI engaged with students from WCCC's Penobscot Nation Aquaculture Careers course to enhance our understanding of emerging trends and educational initiatives in the field. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?In January 2023, GMRI made notable appearances and presentations to promote the apprenticeship program. We participated in and presented at the 42nd Milford Aquaculture Seminar, garnering positive feedback from attendees. Additionally, GMRI was a featured presenter at the Maine Aquaculture Research, Development, & Education Summit, contributing to a session focused on non-traditional education. Our presence extended to the 2023 Aquaculture America event, where we presented the apprenticeship program to a diverse audience from across the country during a dedicated workforce development session. Our impactful contributions to the aquaculture community were further recognized when GMRI was invited to be the John Lentz Featured Speaker at the Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association Annual Conference. This invitation underscored our position as a leading authority, allowing us to present and share insights on the apprenticeship program with a wider audience. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Securing the finalization of 144 RTI hours for our apprentices is a top priority on the agenda for GMRI and SMCC in the upcoming period. Our meticulous planning extends to the RTI hours earmarked for the 2023 apprentice cohort, ensuring a well-structured and immersive educational experience. SMCC is actively in the process of hiring a new team member to oversee the coordination of the upcoming 24-hour online speaker series, originally scheduled for launch in September 2023. In January 2024, apprentices are slated to engage in a 20-hour "Introduction to Shellfish Aquaculture" course, followed by an additional 20-hour "Introduction to Seaweed Aquaculture" course. GMRI will take the lead in organizing two field trips during January and February 2024 - one to a seaweed processing facility and another to a shellfish hatchery - offering apprentices valuable hands-on exposure. Maintaining our commitment to practical learning, SMCC has scheduled a 14-hour Yamaha motor course in March 2024. Facilitated by a Yamaha instructor, this course will focus on boat engine maintenance and repairs, providing apprentices with tangible skills in a real-world context. This collaborative effort between GMRI and SMCC reflects our dedication to ensuring a comprehensive and impactful educational journey for our apprentices in the dynamic realm of aquaculture. Additionally, wewill be beginning the processof updating the Maine Aquaculture Occupation Standards. We want to ensure these standards are kept current with industry needs and requirements. GMRI and MAA will identify who to interview in December 2023 and begin conducting interviews in January 2024. We will be welcoming a new cohort of apprentices to the program in 2024, and we will follow the same procedures as we have for the 2023 apprentices. Applications for new apprentices will go live on January 17, 2024, and will remain open for 2 weeks.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? In November 2022, the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) initiated outreach to our industry steering committee members, inviting them to become host farms for the upcoming Apprenticeship program. In collaboration with GMRI and the Maine Aquaculture Association (MAA), an application was developed for interested farms to determine their suitability for the program. All five steering committee members applied and were accepted. To fill the sixth slot, targeted inquiries were made with farms identified as strong partners for the pilot year, resulting in an additional four applications. By December 2022, the final selection was made, comprising five oyster farms and one mussel/seaweed farm. The innovative approach of having businesses fill out an application to host an apprentice has since been adopted by the Maine Department of Labor (DOL). Following the selection of six host farms, GMRI applied to become a Registered Apprenticeship with the Maine DOL, including the approval of a Schedule of Work and the identification of a sponsor - the Maine Aquaculture Association. The Schedule of Work detailed the skills apprentices would acquire during the 2,000 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) and the 144 hours of related technical instruction (RTI) or classroom time. OJT hours were based on the Maine Aquaculture Occupational Standards for Shellfish and Sea Vegetable Farms, while RTI hours were based on the curriculum outlined by Southern Maine Community College (SMCC), as shared in our previous report. On December 19, 2022, approval was granted by the Maine DOL board, officially welcoming the program into the Registered Maine Apprenticeship Program under the title "Maine Shellfish and Seaweed Aquaculture Technician Apprenticeship." On January 17, 2023, the Apprentice application was launched, attracting 28 applicants for the six positions available. Applicants ranked farms based on location, as GMRI made it clear that housing and transportation assistance would not be provided, and applicants were responsible for punctual attendance. Applicants showcased diverse backgrounds, with categories including those holding bachelor's or master's degrees (10), maritime/commercial fishing experience (9), previous aquaculture experience (7), general labor backgrounds (3), and culinary experience (3). Applications were sent to the top three farm choices of each applicant for review, and the final hiring decision was made by the farms. Five out of the six farms successfully made their selection and hired an apprentice. Unfortunately, one selected host farm, also a steering committee member, experienced personnel turnover and had to withdraw from the program in March 2023. The program continued with five farms and five apprentices. GMRI provided necessary gear to the apprentices, such as boots, bibs, a foul-weather jacket, and a life jacket, ensuring an equitable program by eliminating potential financial barriers. In the week of April 10, the first of the Southern Maine Community College RTI classes commenced, featuring a comprehensive 40-hour boot camp. The curriculum covered diverse topics, including an introduction to the Apprenticeship Program, Aquaculture in Maine, First Aid and CPR Training, Water Quality Measurements, Shellfish Aquaculture Overview, Nautical Skills, Aquaculture Regulations, Biosecurity, and Boat Engine Operation and Maintenance. Five apprentices attended alongside five individuals from outside the program, reflecting substantial interest. GMRI capped the class at 10 students, as requested by the adjunct faculty at SMCC and there was a waitlist for this course. In May, one of the host farms requested the inclusion of a recent hire into the apprenticeship program, even though the boot camp had already taken place. GMRI agreed, and this new hire will join the program and undergo the boot camp course in 2024 with the next cohort of apprentices. As a result, the Maine Shellfish and Seaweed Aquaculture Technician Apprenticeship currently boasts six apprentices at five host farms. In September/October 2023, the program entered the next phase of RTI hours, which involved farm tours. Each apprentice led a tour of their farm for the other apprentices, adhering to an outline provided by GMRI to ensure coverage of essential topics. The tours served as a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange and technology transfer between farms. In October 2023, GMRI and MAA launched host farm applications for the 2024 cohort, receiving 12 applications for six positions. Notably, four applications came from farms currently hosting an apprentice. In November, after a thorough review, six farms were selected for the 2024 cohort - four returning from the previous year and two new additions. Apprentice applications for 2024 are set to launch in January. In November, GMRI and SMCC collaboratively planned the remaining RTI hours for the 2023 apprentice cohort. Apprentices will attend a 20-hour Introduction to Shellfish Aquaculture course and a 20-hour Introduction to Seaweed Aquaculture in January 2024. GMRI will lead two field trips for the apprentices, one to a seaweed processor and one to a shellfish hatchery in January/February 2024. In March 2024, SMCC will organize a 14-hour Yamaha motor course where apprentices will receive hands-on training in boat engine maintenance and repairs from a Yamaha instructor. Concurrently, SMCC is actively seeking to hire a new employee to assist in coordinating the 24-hour online speaker series initially slated for launch in September 2023.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Maurin, C.E., Oral Presentation: THE GULF OF MAINE RESEARCH INSTITUTES WORK TO ADVANCE THE SUSTAINABLE GROWTH OF AQUACULTURE, 42nd Milford Aquaculture Seminar, January 2023
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Maurin, C.E, Oral Presentation: Establishing a Comprehensive Workforce Training System for Maines Aquaculture Sector, Aquaculture America, February 2023
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Maurin, C.E., Oral Presentation: Establishing a Comprehensive Workforce Training System for Maines Aquaculture Sector, Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association Annual Conference, Septemeber 2023.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Maurin, C.E., Oral Presentation: The Gulf Of Maine Research Institutes Work To Advance The Sustainable Growth Of Aquaculture, Maine Aquaculture Research, Development, & Education Conference, January 2023.

Progress 12/01/21 to 11/30/22

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this USDA NIFA grant is primarily shellfish aquaculture farms and potential employees within Maine. The audience included Maine's aquaculture industry who recognized the value of credentials earned through these new programs and preferentially hire graduates of this program over other applicants. Specifically, GMRI engaged five shellfish farms to compose our industry steering committee. In our efforts we also targeted learners from all backgrounds who recognized these programs as the best training ground for a career in aquaculture including first generation college students, recent high school graduates, adults looking for a career change, fishermen, and the existing aquaculture workforce. We reached these individuals by engaging in social media, targeted emails through industry associations, and job board such as The Maine Aquaculturist job board. Additionally, we targeted faculty/staff/leadership at training/education institutions who agreed to utilize the Occupational Standards to design industry-relevant training programs. Specifically, we worked with Southern Maine Community College to create a 144 hour 3-part course within their Workforce Department. Changes/Problems:At the outset of the project, some unexpected delays arose due to internal turnover and miscommunications with an outside partner. This caused a delay in offering the year one Southern Maine Community College pilot course. However, after taking steps to address these challenges, the situation has significantly improved, and the project is now moving forward at the expected pace. Additionally, the project approach originally stated that it will create and pilot three 120-hour, credentialed, stackable, aquaculture workforce training courses at Southern Maine Community College. The Department of Labor requires there to be 144 hours of classroom training therefore we needed to add 24 additional hours to the course. We have added those hours int to the current course which will be offered in year two. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project manager attended Seagriculture USA 2022 which was the first time this conference was held in the USA. There were seven sessions and 27 seaweed experts from North America and Europe who spoke on numerous industry topics: from using seaweed to benefit the climate to innovative solutions for seaweed farming & processing, seaweed as a natural capital investment and much more. This was an important professional development activity because seaweed is a growing industry in Maine and as the industry grows they will need a qualified workforce to sustain it. This conference provided an in-depth look at the industry and where the future of seaweed farming may go. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We convened a formal industry Steering Committee two times in year one to provide input on upfront program development and post-program evaluation. The Steering Committee consisted of five sea farm owners or managers representing shellfish and sea vegetable farms from different regions in Maine. Background materials (SMCC curriculum, apprenticeship, and DOL Schedule of Work) were sent to the Steering Committee 1-2 weeks before the meeting. At the meeting, GMRI, MAA, and SMCC personnel were present and updated the Steering Committee about progress since the last meeting, including how their feedback was incorporated into program development/refinement. Meetings were facilitated by GMRI and framed around desired outcomes related to program development. The Steering Committee members were encouraged to and did provide written comments/edits on program materials outside of SC meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period, we intend to have a registered Shellfish and Seaweed Aquaculture Technician Apprenticeship with the Maine Department of Labor with the Maine Aquaculture Association as the intermediary sponsor. This will include creating a 2,000-hour Schedule of Work for the on-the-job training as well as the 144 hours of classroom time at Southern Maine Community College (SMCC). With assistance from SMCC faculty, we will have completed the curriculum and assessments for the 144-hour 3-part course including the breakdown of hours and timing to fit around aquaculture farm schedules. It will be based on industry-recognized standards and direct input from commercial-scale sea farms. The 3-part course will include a 1-week boot camp in April, a monthly speaker series starting in September, and a 2-week course in January. We will have identified and registered 6 host farms as well as 6 apprentices. We will share the posting for the apprenticeship program as widely as possible to ensure a diverse pool of applicants. Additionally, we will work with Washington Community College to create a pipeline between the aquaculture courses they offer and the aquaculture apprenticeship course at SMCC. We will begin conversations with the Mid-Coast School of Technology to understand their aquaculture programming and see if a pre-apprenticeship program is the right fit for their school.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Maineis uniquely positioned for aquaculture growth, but a workforce shortage could stunt the industry's potential to increase production. Our solution is to establish a comprehensive Maine aquaculture workforce training system to meet the current and future labor needs of Maine's rapidly growing and evolving aquaculture industry that follows the forward-thinking Maine Aquaculture Workforce Development Strategy and is supported by industry-developed Occupational Standards. Specifically, we are developing and piloting a Maine Department of Labor Aquaculture (ME DOL) Aquaculture Apprenticeship Program where participants gain valuable experience, receive mentoring, get trained and tested on defined occupational competencies, and learn to use cutting-edge technology at Maine's most sophisticated commercial shellfish and sea vegetable farms. We are developing and administering a series of stackable and credentialed aquaculture short courses at Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) that form the basis of an Aquaculture Certificate. With substantial input from Maine's aquaculture sector, GMRI worked with the Maine Aquaculture Association to develop the Maine Aquaculture Occupational Standards for Shellfish and Sea Vegetables, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems, and Marine Finfish, which forms the basis for the classroom and on-farm requirements for the Certificate. (The standards will be updated later in the project to ensure that aquaculture workforce training remains relevant to Maine's rapidly evolving and growing industry.) We are coordinating program development and delivery among SMCC, Washington County Community College, The Mid-Coast School of Technology (Career Technical Education High School), and ME DOL Apprenticeship to establish matriculation pathways and dual-credit programs that enable fast-tracked degree completion. Our consortium of GMRI, SMCC, MAA, Educate Maine, and ME DOL brings interlocking expertise to develop and sustain the broad array of interconnected industry-relevant programs to help Maine achieve its aquaculture potential. To ensure the apprenticeship program meets the current and future labor needs of Maine's rapidly growing and evolving aquaculture industry. We convened an industry steering committee of five shellfish farms from southern and midcoast Maine. GMRI facilitated the meetings to develop desired outcomes related to program development and post-program evaluation. Steering Committee members provided written comments on program materials between meetings. For example, one meeting was focused on the curriculum for the 144-hour course, and they provided valuable feedback on the material that should be covered. The theme of each course was determined based on a combination of a priority as specified in the Maine Aquaculture Shellfish and Sea Vegetable Occupational Standard and direct aquaculture industry input. Additionally, SMCC used the DACUM (Developing A Curriculum) process to create these new programs, which involves convening industry experts, curriculum designers, and a proto-type and refinement during the nascent phases of the design. We developed a Schedule of Work for the 2,000 hours of on-the-job training based on the Occupational Standards and in the second meeting, we brought this to the steering committee for their review and approval. This ensures that participants will gain valuable experience, receive mentoring, get trained and tested on defined occupational competencies, and learn to use cutting-edge technology at Maine's most sophisticated commercial shellfish and sea vegetable farms.

Publications