GROWING GREEN JOBS FOR MAINE

With a median age of nearly 45, Maine is the oldest state in the country and has the oldest workforce. Though the state's tourism industry is booming and offers many seasonal jobs to young Mainers, a lack of long-term prospects hinders their ability to put down roots. As young people look to build a life in Maine, they are met with fewer long term career opportunities. They are also seeking green jobs that have a positive impact on the planet. With more coastline than the state of California and a burgeoning aquaculture sector, Maine is becoming a destination for young people seeking green careers through aquatic farming.

As Maine’s aquaculture businesses grow, so does the need for workforce development. The sector has the ability to solve many of the demographic issues facing Maine, but workforce bottlenecks can stunt potential growth. Many small farms in the state are looking to scale up their operations, but they can only do so with steady, reliable help.

Earlier this year, we launched the nation’s first accredited aquaculture apprenticeship program, designed to provide opportunities to those looking for full-time, yearround employment in Maine aquaculture. The Maine Shellfish and Seaweed Aquaculture Apprenticeship pro-

Courtesy Of Maine Aquaculture Association

gram was created in partnership with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, FocusMaine, the Maine Department of Labor, and Educate Maine, with support from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. It is a 2,000hour paid apprenticeship program where participants can earn an accredited aquaculture certification. Upon completion of their apprenticeships, many of the cohort members will be hired full time by their host farms.

We had the chance to meet up with some of this year’s apprenticeship cohort to chat with them about their experience in the program. Originally from Ohio, Kat Lipp, 31, started her fishing career in Alaska but recently decided to move to Maine to explore opportunities in aquaculture. Now, she is working as a farm hand at Mere Point Oyster Company in Brunswick. “This experience has been very fulfilling, mentally, physically, and emotionally,” says Lipp. “I’m definitely set up for success to find a position I really enjoy after the apprenticeship.”

Alex McBroom, 32, relocated to Maine from California for the apprenticeship program. “I got the job on March 17, and on April 2 I was driving across the country to come here,” says McBroom, who is spending his summer working at Marshall Cove Mussel Farm off Islesboro.

Matt Czuchra, 23, originally from Lincolnville, moved back to Maine after completing his oceanography degree at Dalhousie University. With experience working as a deckhand on Vertical Bay scallop farm in Penobscot Bay, he was able to start as a farm manager this summer at Ferda Farms, an oyster farm in Brunswick.

These young people are taking big steps to invest in their future and in Maine. Let’s help the aquaculture sector grow and thrive so these folks and future generations can continue to build a life on the coast of Maine.