The world is experiencing tight labour markets, and aquaculture is struggling to obtain the farming, technical, management and scientific staff needed to meet growing industry demand. During 2021 – 2022, research funded by the Cooperative Research Centre for Northern Australia examined the support to address workforce needs that had been identified in a previous study (Cobcroft et al, 2020).
The research found that while relevant training at all levels was generally available, there remains a very significant gap in the number of learners being trained and the needs of industry. The study also highlighted the importance of on-farm, vocational experiences, including internships and work-integrated-learning programs.
So what does aquaculture as an industry need to get the workforce that’s needed? This session will present a diversity of research, experiences, programs and an active panel discussion, with plenty of opportunities for audience questions. We’ll explore the options to attract and retain farming, technical, management and scientific staff, and try to identify what may be the best approaches in a variety of situations.
The session will introduce some of the development of new training resources taking an immersive approach, programs encouraging local involvement and increased diversity and other pathways that are taking place, and whether these approaches are available for aquaculture employers. We’ll discuss the ways learners can approach potential employers and how to find the opportunities they seek.
We encourage you to bring your questions, viewpoints and ideas for a respectful discussion aimed at benefitting the whole industry across all disciplines.