The project seeks to develop an industry-engaged, paid internship program focused on expanding and strengthening north carolinas aquaculture workforce

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded North Carolina State University $365,055 through a cooperative agreement (NA26OARX417C0145) on June 1, 2026, under the Sea Grant Support program (CFDA 11.417) to develop a paid internship program strengthening North Carolina's aquaculture workforce.

NC Sea Grant, in collaboration with Carteret Community College, Biota NC, and North Carolina aquaculture and seafood industry partners, will recruit undergraduate students, community college students, and participants from the NC Shellfish Farming Academy through coordinated outreach, workshops, and an aquaculture-focused career fair. Selected interns will be placed with participating aquaculture businesses and employed for up to 400 hours to gain hands-on experience in aquaculture operations, including production activities, equipment and system maintenance, data collection, sustainability practices, and workplace safety. NC Sea Grant and Carteret Community College will coordinate intern recruitment, hiring, orientation, professional development, mentoring support, and performance evaluation, while host businesses will provide supervised training and mentorship. Program outcomes will be assessed through intern and employer evaluations, exit interviews, and reporting to refine future internship offerings and build a more skilled and competitive aquaculture workforce in the state.

The period of performance runs from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2028, with place of performance in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Activities

NC sea grant, in collaboration with carteret community college, biota NC, and north carolina aquaculture and seafood industry partners, will implement an aquaculture internship program designed to strengthen workforce preparedness and support the sustainable growth of the states aquaculture sector. Consistent with the sea grant 20242027 strategic plan goals for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture and environmental literacy and workforce development, the program will recruit undergraduate students, community college students, and NC shellfish farming academy participants through coordinated outreach, workshops, and an aquaculture focused career fair. Selected interns will be placed with participating aquaculture businesses and employed for up to 400 hours to gain hands-on, industry-based experience in aquaculture operations, including production activities, equipment and system maintenance, data collection, sustainability practices, and workplace safety. NC sea grant and carteret community college will coordinate intern recruitment, hiring, orientation, professional development, mentoring support, and performance evaluation, while host businesses will provide supervised training and mentorship. Program outcomes will be assessed through intern and employer evaluations, exit interviews, and reporting, with results used to refine future internship offerings and contribute to a more skilled and competitive aquaculture workforce in north carolina.

Expected outcomes

The project is expected to increase student awareness of career opportunities within the aquaculture industry and promote the sector as a viable career pathway. Students will gain real-world experience through paid internships in commercial aquaculture settings, allowing them to apply academic knowledge in practice. The internships will contribute to workforce development by helping address industry skill gaps and supporting sustainable growth. The program is also expected to help identify future north carolina aquaculture business owners and long-term industry professionals.

Intended beneficiaries

Primary beneficiaries include undergraduate students and shellfish academy participants seeking practical, hands-on experience prior to pursuing a career in aquaculture. Secondary beneficiaries include aquaculture industry workers and employers who will benefit from access to a larger workforce of trained, ready participants.

Subrecipient activities

PI cerino, a part-time research associate, and carteret CC (CCC) aquaculture program faculty and staff will actively recruit intern candidates from students in the departments curriculum programs and workforce training academies and in local high schools. Carteret CC will host a career fair as a supplementary activity at the 2026 north carolina aquaculture development conference for intern candidates and potential employers. The event will coordinate direct interaction between students and prospective aquaculture industry employers to educate intern candidates on the types of jobs, duties, and expectations. Project personnel will track the connections and facilitate matching based on mutual interest and fit. Once matches are made, interns and employers will be notified. Both interns and employers will sign an agreement outlining the expectations for the internship experience. Carteret CC has established relationships with dozens of local farms and aquaculture industry supporting businesses, research institutions and agencies that have hosted student work