AQUACULTURE WORKFORCE DEVEOPMENT PROGRAM

INTERACTIVE & HANDS ON APPLICATION

Emma WiermaaAquaculture Outreach and Education

UWSP-Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility (UWSP-NADF)UW Sea Grant Institute

“I believe the message is being sent by industry that we need to holistically enhance aquaculture education and training opportunities to meet current and future labor needs…

...the most common issue identified by all industry panelists: the lack of an available and qualified skilled workforce.”

-Michael H. SchwarzVirginia Tech. Aquaculture SpecialistPast-President of WAS

Mission: Support sustainable aquaculture through public education and advance the discovery, dissemination and application of knowledge for aquaculture in a northern climate

• Outreach, Extension, Training and Technology Transfer• Applied Research and Demonstration Projects• Cooperative Partnerships with Private, State, Federal and

Tribal Agencies

University of Wisconsin-Stevens PointNorthern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility

Public Education

Next Generation

Higher Education

Experience & Application

Job Placement

UWSP-NADF Workforce Development

The Process…

Public Education: Understanding Sustainable Aquaculture Hands-on, Interactive Tours (All Ages)Conferences, Public Events, Presentations

In 2016…192 Tours

>230 Attendees at Public Presentations

Next Generation: Local High Schools Incorporate into Curriculum

• Tech. Assistance, Classroom Visits, Resources STEM Education & Hands-on Learning Application of Knowledge: Field Trips to

UWSP-NADF Spark Interest for Further Education

Higher Education: UW Stevens Point Opportunities UWSP First in WI to offer Undergraduate Aquaculture Minor First Accredited University in the U.S. to offer full semester Aquaponics Course and

Professional Aquaponics Certificate with Partner Nelson and Pade, Inc. Hands-On Training/Internships

Resource Facilities: Aquaculture (UWSP-NADF) & Aquaponics (UWSP-Aquaponic Innovation Center)

Private Industry Partners Internship Opportunity

Hands on Experience: Technician Positions Variety of species, life stages, and systems Real life application, research, and collaboration

Job Placement >90% Job Placement Collaboration with PartnersUnique Skillset Obtained

Education Gears to Drive Workforce Development

Experience & Job Placement

Hands on

Learning

Public Education

Acknowledgements • UWSP NADF & AIC Staff

• Dedicated Educators • Bayfield County Economic Development Corporation & UW Extension

• Partnerships & Collaborators

Thank You!aquaculture.uwsp.edu

Emma Wiermaaewiermaa@uwsp.edu

UWSP Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility Bayfield, WI