The development of an economic sector is impacted by a number of factors. Regulations, access to capital, business climates, market demand, available technologies and technical knowledge all play important roles in the growth and size of a sector. Like any business or economic sector aquaculture is impacted by all these factors. Unlike some other sectors aquaculture typically involves the husbandry of living animals and plants in what may be at times a hostile and dangerous environment. Lack of skills and knowledge can result in farm failures, increased production costs, worker injuries and compromised animal and plant health and welfare. Many U.S. aquaculture producers compete with products produced in other countries that have invested significantly in workforce development and training. The U.S. aquaculture sector has not grown at the same rate as those countries and lack of workforce training and farm management expertise has been one factor.
Training programs that target the specific needs of the farming community and support the professionalization of the aquaculture sector can contribute significantly to the growth of the sector. The necessary skills and knowledge that the workforce and/or business owners need in aquaculture are extensive, multidisciplinary, highly technical and at times unique. Traditional academic programs provide important pieces in the assembly of the necessary knowledge but often lack hands on training and may inhibit cross-disciplinary education. The various forms of non-academic training programs are reviewed and how they link to the sectors economic development are discussed. Training needs for workers vary depending on their level in the business, specific farm responsibilities and where they are in their career development. Although beginning farm owners need many of the same skills as farm workers, owners require additional training in order to become successful. Training programs should be designed to address these varying needs and facilitate the progression of individuals through their career development. Regular surveys of the private sector to identify training and skills needs should be conducted to ensure programs are producing graduates with the appropriate skills and knowledge. Economic development professionals should recognize the importance of training programs and view them as necessary long term investments. Economic development agencies should find ways to fund training programs at sustainable levels and include them in long term development plans. Companies should invest in professional development for their employees and provide clear career pathways for advancement for interested employees.