Archive for the ‘Aquaculture’ Category

Aquaculture Training

Tuesday, October 16th, 2012

In June 2012 the Provincial Government provided funding for sixty people on northern Vancouver Island to take a 25-week training program to learn the skills necessary to work as technicians in the aquaculture industry.

This project was designed to help participants secure permanent employment in the aquaculture industry while helping local employers meet labour demands. This intensive program creates additional opportunities for these communities to offer training to local participants, while meeting local demand. As part of the program, participants will be placed with local aquaculture employers for a two-week practicum and will be assisted with longer-term job search activities.

The aquaculture technician diploma program is being offered by Excel Career College in three areas of Vancouver Island: Port Alberni, Port Hardy and Campbell River.

Students in Port Alberni can start on Oct 29th, Nov 5th, Nov 19th, Nov 26th, Dec  3rd or Dec 10th
In Campbell River students can start on Nov 26th, Dec 3rd, Dec 10, Dec 17th, Jan 7th or Jan 21st
In Port Hardy students can start on Oct 29th, Nov 19th, Nov 26th or Dec 3rd 

If you are interested in the program and would like more information contact Excel Career College in Courtenay at their toll free number 1-888-280-2452.

Posted in Aquaculture, Training | No Comments »

Employment Skills Access Programs

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011

Unemployed? Employed with no recognized certification or university degree-level education? Vancouver Island University (VIU) continues to receive funding from the Province for the Employment Skills Access (ESA) program. VIU offers training programs that are specifically selected to help unemployed, non-Employment Insurance clients and employed individuals requiring skills-upgrading to gain or improve employment.

Tuition and materials are available for participants that meet the criteria of the ESA program. Following are the current programs offered through EAS funding:


Introduction to Culinary Arts Program

This 12-week program will provide students with the skills and knowledge required to fill entry level culinary and food service positions.


Marine Operator Training Program

The participants will gain knowledge and skills that meet the standards as outlined by Transport Canada to work on, and operate a commercial vessel.

Shellfish Aquaculture Technician Training Program

This six week course is for those interested in developing skills and knowledge for a successful career in the shellfish aquaculture industry.

For assistance in developing your education and career goals and to learn more about the ESA program contact The Career Centre at 250-248-3205 to register for an information session.

Posted in Aquaculture, Culinary Arts, Marine, Training, VIU | No Comments »

Ground to Break Soon For the Deep Bay Field Station

Monday, May 11th, 2009

The Vancouver Island University (VIU) Centre for Shellfish Research Deep Bay Field Station, is a large project that has been a vision of the University for over six years. Now with funding being secured it is expected that they will break ground by the beginning of June. I researched the VIU website and this facility, north of Qualicum Bay, “will cluster scientific, environmental, economic and public engagement programming into one facility thereby creating a centre of excellence and innovation to support sustainable shellfish aquaculture development and preservation of coastal ecosystems.” As well VIU “aims to develop the Deep Bay Field Station as a green design facility with anticipated LEED® Platinum accreditation to promote and showcase practical applications of alternative technologies for energy and water usage.”

Brian Kingzett, the VIU Manager for this project, indicated that this project has been estimated to provide 60 person years of employment and once the station is fully built (in approximately three years) it will provide 14 full time jobs in aquaculture research and education. This summer will involve excavation, foundation and forming and it is hoped that the roof will be on by October/November. Heatherbrae Construction is the company that is managing the construction portion of this project. To apply to work on this project the Nanaimo office of Heatherbrae is located at 4-1969 Boxwood Road, Nanaimo and their fax number is (250) 716-0067.  

Posted in Aquaculture, Construction | No Comments »