Aquaculture Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship

I'm excited to announce that the Aquaculture Pioneers Pre-Apprenticeship Program (Pre-RA) and the Shellfish & Seaweed Aquaculture Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) are now accepting applicants for 2026!

Those who are interested can learn more about the programs, participating farms, and application details on our website, and can apply to either program directly through the Common Application. The two programs are quite different from one another, and we would be happy to chat with you or interested candidates about which program(s) may be right for them.

Aquaculture Pioneers Program (Pre-RA)

This is a short-term, exploratory, summer-long opportunity to get paid, hands-on experience in Maine’s aquaculture industry. Participants work 10–12 weeks full-time at an aquaculture farm, gain industry-relevant training, and attend personal and professional networking events. They may receive school internship credit and are enrolled as pre-apprentices, earning credit toward a future registered aquaculture apprenticeship if desired.

Who it’s for: Students, career transitioners, or anyone wanting to explore aquaculture before committing long-term. No prior experience is required. Applicants must be 16 or older.

Application Timeline: Rolling, final cutoff 5pm, Friday, February 27. Early applications are encouraged.

Program Timeline: Mandatory in-person bootcamp May 18–19 in Boothbay, ME, followed by 10–12 weeks of full-time work experience starting after May 20, and an end of summer celebration/symposium in early-August. 

Watch these short videos to learn more about the program, including highlights from the Bootcamp and Blue Economy Symposium events.

Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)

This is a long-term, career-focused pathway into Maine’s aquaculture industry. Apprentices commit to a minimum of one year of year-round, paid work, starting April 2026, completing 2,000 hours of on-the-job training under experienced farm mentors. Apprentices also complete 144 hours of technical coursework at no cost through the Maine Community College System, plus supplemental learning experiences.

Who it’s for: Individuals ready to make a full-time job commitment and pursue a career in Maine aquaculture. No prior experience is required. Applicants must be 18 or older.

Application Timeline: Applications close Friday, January 31 at 5pm. 

Program Timeline: Work experience begins April 2026

Check out this short film if you want to learn more about the program! 

We accepted 11 farms for the 2026 cohort:

1. Muscongus Bay Aquaculture
2. Dirigo Marine Resources, LLC.
3. Islesboro Marine Enterprises
4. Maine Ocean Farms LLC
5. Deer Isle Oyster Company
6. Bombazine Oyster Company
7. Glidden Point Oyster Farm
8. OystHERS Sea Farm
9. Blackstone Point Oyster Company
10. Mere Point Oyster Company
11. Love Point Oysters

Which Program Is Right for You?

Choose the Aquaculture Pioneers Program if you:

• Want to try out aquaculture before committing long-term
• Are currently in school or exploring career options
• Are considering a career change and want hands-on exposure
• Are 16 or older and looking for a short-term paid opportunity

Choose the Registered Apprenticeship Program if you:

• Are ready to commit to a full-time, year-long position
• Want structured, paid training leading to a recognized credential
• Are serious about building a career in Maine’s aquaculture industry
• Are 18 or older and seeking long-term employment

Please reach out if you have any questions about either of these positions or the application process.