This abstract is being submitted for the session entitled “Apprenticeships, Internships and Other Workforce Programs for the Aquaculture Community.” Created through a partnership between the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, Clemson University, the Town of McClellanville, and the local commercial seafood industry, The S.C. Commercial Seafood Apprenticeship Program is a one-month, full-time program that was created in order to develop a skilled workforce for the commercial fishing and mariculture industry in South Carolina and the southeast region, while simultaneously preserving and transferring the knowledge and expertise of local commercial fishers and farmers. Our goal is to create a recruitment pipeline both for those seeking work and for those seeking workers in the commercial fishing and mariculture industry.
The program teaches participants the skills they need to get started in the commercial fishing or mariculture industry and is best suited for those seeking entry-level employment in the industry. Apprentices receive immersive marine safety training, class-room based training, and hands-on training with local industry experts. Upon completion of the program, participants will have their U.S. Drill Conductor certification and be certified in First-Aid and CPR, a completion stipend, gear and course materials, and networking assistance to help apprentices find work upon completion of the program.
Our first session ran from April 15 - May 10, 2024. We had fifty-nine applicants. Six people began the program and five apprentices graduated. We had three men and three women participate. Students learned about the biology of fish and shellfish, habitat requirements, fisheries management, farming practices and techniques in the Lowcountry, production and the grow out process, the permitting process, equipment and gear types. They were able to observe and take part in the entire mariculture process from bagging seed to planting, harvesting, and preparing for sale.