Aquaculture Technology

Hybrid Program: Online Learning | Hands-on Labs in Two Coastal Maine Locations

Choose your program:

Associates Degree – 63 Credits

Certificate – 31 Credits

New! Pre-Apprenticeships (Summer 2025) – $15/Hr. for 8 weeks

JOIN THE NEXT GENERATION OF THE AQUACULTURE WORKFORCE

Purpose: The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Aquaculture Technology is designed to develop a world class, industry-relevant and advised, training program that utilizes cutting-edge technology to prepare the next generation of aquaculture workforce. The AAS degree will:

Prepare graduates for entry- and intermediate-level positions relevant to the Maine’s growing Aquaculture Industry.
Prepare graduates with relevant experiential learning opportunities through highly developed and strategic industry partnerships, whereby lecture and in-person lab-based experiential learning occurs at partner locations across Maine’s coastal communities.
Provide individuals already working in aquaculture the opportunity to upgrade their skills and knowledge base for career advancement with a college degree and an avenue to work toward more advanced degrees.
Identify, and integrate opportunities for students to utilize appropriate cutting-edge technology and advanced data skills in their aquaculture learning experience.
Provide the required classroom learning component for industry-led apprenticeship programs, sponsored by WCCC through both the Certificate and AAS programming.
Be well-informed by partnership with industry experts to ensure responsive alignment with Maine’s Aquaculture Occupational Standards, other training programs and initiatives, and current and future workforce needs.

ENTER A HIGH GROWTH INDUSTRY

Program Educational Outcomes: Upon completion of the Associate in Applied Science degree in Aquaculture Technology, the graduate is prepared to:

Identify and apply the basic theories, principles, and practices of the aquaculture industry: including language, regulations, and management practices for coastal and land-based operations.
Review and practice the fundamental skills and techniques of aquafarming, including monitoring animal heath, growth rates, and accounting for environmental factors that affect productivity.
Identify and analyze marine organisms, their evolutionary history, biogeography, anatomy, interactions with other organisms, adaptation to their environment and their impact on aquaculture.
Identify and adhere to regulatory and safety protocols and standards in aquaculture operations.
Evaluate career pathways in aquaculture, weighting the pros and cons, rewards, and demands to think critically and make informed decisions.
Interpret water quality and chemistry’s role in animal and plant welfare and its influence on Maine’s key species production.
Plan, develop and present a comprehensive biosecurity plan.

Career Opportunities: Graduates of the program will be qualified for positions such as Aquaculture Technician, Farm Technician, Hatchery Technician and Recirculating Aquaculture Technician.

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Become an aquaculture pre-apprentice!

Paid positions available for Summer 2025!

Apply for a Summer 2025 Pre-Apprenticeship

Summer Work Placements in Aquaculture

Washington County Community College (WCCC) and the Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center (MAIC) are partnering to provide an 8-week pre-apprenticeship program for current or recently graduated high school students in Washington County.

This is a program for high school students (graduated 2022 – 2025, or entering grades 10, 11 or 12), which aims to:
A: provide hands-on work experience in aquaculture,
B: teach critical skills to prepare students for a career in aquaculture, and
C: introduce critical knowledge to prepare students for a career in aquaculture.

The program focuses on Washington County aquaculture operations, but may be open to Hancock County businesses and beyond.

LEARN WHILE YOU EARN:

Students will be paid $15 per hour. The number of hours per week will be set by your employer. Work placements will be 8 weeks.

WHAT WILL WCCC & MAIC DO?

MAIC will match students to host companies. WCCC will register you for the pre-apprenticeship program with the State of Maine. Please feel free to reach out to any of the people listed below if you have any questions:

Noel Abrahamson, Industry Partnership and Program
Coordinator- WCCC Aquaculture Technology Program
nabrahamson@mainecc.edu | 207-557-6075

Lori Joy, Coordinator of Apprenticeship Programs, WCCC
ljoy@mainecc.edu | 207-214-5064

Nichole Sawyer, Dean of Workforce Development, WCCC
nsawyer@mainecc.edu | 207-214-7988

Dr Anne Langston Noll, Director, MAIC
alangstonnoll@maineaquaculture.org | 207-217-2734

Apply Now for a Summer 2025 Pre-Apprenticeship!

Ready to enroll?

If you are ready to enroll in the WCCC Aquaculture Technology Program, please click here. For questions, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@wccc.me.edu or 207-454-1000.

Not sure if you're ready to enroll?

Interested in taking an introductory course to try out this pathway before applying for the full degree program? Register as a non-matriculated student through our workforce development office by contacting workforce@wccc.me.edu

Are you a high school student?

Students who are ready to explore college or get an early start can experience a college class, explore career options, and earn both high school and college credit at the same time! Learn about our “Start Early program here.

Apply to the Aquaculture Technology Program

Apply for a Summer 2025 Pre-Apprenticeship

Learn More About the Industry of Maine Aquaculture