AQUACULTURE PIONEERS
The Aquaculture Pioneers program launched in 2022 to support growth of Maine’s aquaculture industry and continue to cultivate talent in this important sector. Funding for this exciting program has been made possible through the Builders Initiative through a grant awarded to FocusMaine and Educate Maine. We work with employers across the downeast, mid-coast, and southern coastal regions to support experiential learning opportunities at farms and hatcheries.
Participants in the Aquaculture Pioneers program can receive internship credit through their high school or higher education institution. Participants will also be enrolled as pre-apprentices to provide them with credit if/when they are interested in pursuing an aquaculture registered apprenticeship in the future.
In 2023 Aquaculture Pioneers was officially recognized as a certified pre-apprenticeship program by the Maine Department of Labor – Maine Apprenticeship Program. This pre-apprenticeship is directly connected to the nation’s only Shellfish and Seaweed Aquaculture Technician registered apprenticeship program sponsored by the Maine Aquaculture Association.
Employers who host Aquaculture Pioneers will become partner employers of Maine Career Catalyst (MCC) giving them access to added program support and a community of like-minded employers interested in elevating experiential learning in Maine. Pioneers hired through this initiative will be enrolled in the MCC program and will become a part of a cohort focused on building skills and their network in Maine’s aquaculture sector.
Participant applications are available NOW and will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Read below for more information and to fill out the common application.
FOR Pioneers
2024 Program Partner Employers
All learners interested in gaining experience and building skills in the field of aquaculture are encouraged to review the available positions and apply through the common application below. All Aquaculture Pioneer positions are full-time and are paid at a minimum rate of $15 per hour. Aquaculture Pioneer positions are 10-12 weeks in length starting no earlier than mid-May. All Pioneers hired through this program will be required to attend a 2-day bootcamp on Friday, May 17th and Saturday, May 18th at the Boothbay Sea and Science Center in East Boothbay, Maine (housing and meals to be provided).
Pioneers hired through this initiative will be enrolled in the Maine Career Catalyst Program as a part of their program acceptance and have access to all in-person and virtual events throughout Summer 2024. Pioneers will be required to register and attend a minimum of three (3) program events. Events range from networking to professional skill development to panel discussions to Maine exploration social activities. A schedule of required events will be provided no later than May 25th. Pioneers will work with their employers to flex their schedule to attend these events.
Timeline:
Monday, February 19th Participant Application Live
Participant applications will be forwarded to employers and reviewed and interviewed on an ongoing basis until all positions are filled
Frequently Asked Questions – Pioneers
Do I have to be from Maine or go to a Maine school to apply?
No. Applicants do not need to be a student at a Maine-based university or a Maine resident to qualify. Any applicant must only be ready and willing to work for a great Maine-based company this summer in an experiential learning position.
When will I receive my pay?
Pioneers will not receive a stipend or pay from Educate Maine. All Pioneers are hired by the employer and will receive pay based on the employer pay schedule.
I’m interested in one specific company on the list. Can I apply to just that position?
Sort of. In the application, you’ll see that you are asked to identify which positions interest you most and which areas/towns of the state you are available to work in this summer. Your answers shape which employers your application is shared with but we may identify additional employers that fit your criteria as we move through the matching process.
Am I guaranteed an interview and/or a position?
Unfortunately, no. All hiring and interviewing decisions are at the discretion of the employer. We will work to make the best matches possible for our employers and applicants and hope that will result in strong interviews and offers for everyone involved.
What do I need to have ready to apply?
Be prepared with your resume to upload along with your application. You’ll also need to have reviewed the available positions so you can accurately share which positions interest you most. Lastly, you will be asked to share a brief essay on your career aspirations and how a position through this program would help you achieve your goals.
FOR EMPLOYERS
All employers interested in hosting an Aquaculture Pioneer for summer 2024 will need to complete an application outlining the project(s) and/or work identified for the Pioneer. All positions must run for 10 or 12 weeks and fit within in the date parameters set by MCC, typically May-August. These positions are full-time (40 hours) per week and are eligible for full funding through the Aquaculture Pioneers Program.
All employers accepted to this program will become an employer partner of Maine Career Catalyst and agree to the terms of partnership (see full partnership description here).
Timeline:
Tuesday, February 6th Employer Application Available
Wednesday, February 14th Employer Application Deadline
Friday, February 16th Employers Notified of Acceptance
Monday, February 19th Participant Application Live
Participant applications will be forwarded to employers and reviewed and interviewed on an ongoing basis
EMPLOYER APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR THE 2024 COHORT.
Frequently Asked Questions – Employers
Am I responsible for payroll for a Pioneer hired through this program?
Yes. Pioneers hired through this program are employees of your organization. Maine Career Catalyst is here to support you and advise, where appropriate.
How am I reimbursed for the wages of the Pioneer I hire?
Educate Maine will provide a stipend to reimburse for the associated Pioneer wages paid throughout the summer. The subsidy stipend for Pioneers are as follows and accounts for a rate of $15 per hour:
• 12 weeks (480 hours), $7,200
• 10 weeks (400 hours), $6,000
When will I receive my stipend?
Stipends will be awarded following the successful completion of the summer program. Invoices received by August 15 will be paid out no later than August 30, 2023. Invoices received after August 15, 2023 will be paid not later than September 30, 2023.
Am I responsible for the entire interview process and hiring decision?
Yes. Pioneers will be selected by the host company through their own interview process. Maine Career Catalyst will serve to facilitate marketing open Aquaculture Pioneers positions through our networks for participating employers. MCC will share appropriate applicants to facilitate strong matches of talent to open positions. Should you want information or tools to create an effective interview process, please contact Kate Howell at kate@educatemaine.org.
I would love to have a Pioneer work in our office to help our company grow but it wouldn’t be an on-the-water position. Can I apply?
Yes. There are many ways that these positions can give valuable experiences to Pioneers and grow the industry. Our requirement is that Pioneers be given meaningful assignments that grow their career and fulfill a need within your organization. Should you want information or support designing a strong project or job description for the Aquaculture Pioneers program, please contact Kate Howell at kate@educatemaine.org.
I have plans to hire interns or apprentices outside of this program. Am I still eligible to apply?
Yes. We welcome all applications for employers interested in creating or expanding experiential learning programs in the aquaculture industry of Maine.