Project summary/abstract purpose this project will expand the well-established harvest (helping aquaculture reap value and enhance student training) program through partnerships with industry…

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded the University of Florida a $496,733 cooperative agreement on June 1, 2026, through the Sea Grant Support program (CFDA 11.417) to expand the HARVEST (Helping Aquaculture Reap Value and Enhance Student Training) program and build workforce development capacity in aquaculture.

The award funds 20 apprenticeships of 260 or more hours each, a part-time program assistant position, travel support for program alumni and graduates from neighboring states, and an aquaculture job fair designed to establish a training-to-employment pipeline. The University of Florida will partner with five industry associations and a nonprofit organization serving on an advisory board. Each of the five associations receives $40,000 to identify host companies, recruit apprentices, fund at least four apprenticeships, and participate in advisory governance. The program assistant will coordinate the advisory board, manage partner relationships, plan and execute the job fair, and support apprentice documentation and knowledge-sharing activities. Upon apprenticeship completion, apprentices and host company representatives will participate in the job fair to highlight acquired skills and identify employment opportunities, creating direct connection between newly trained workers and potential employers.

Performance occurs in Gainesville, Florida. The period of performance extends from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2028.

Project summary/abstract purpose this project will expand the well-established harvest (helping aquaculture reap value and enhance student training) program through partnerships with industry associations and a non- profit organization to address workforce development needs and industry bottlenecks. The project will fund a total of 20 apprenticeships, a part-time program assistant, support travel for program alumni and graduates from apprenticeship programs in neighboring states, as well as host an aquaculture job fair to create a training to job placement pipeline in and beyond florida. Activities florida sea grant will partner with associations/organizations, who will serve on an advisory board and will identify four companies to host at least one apprentice each. A part-time program assistant will organize the advisory board, work with all partners, plan the job fair, support the apprentices, and ensure apprentices are documenting and sharing. Each of the five associations will be given $40,000 to identify companies, recruit apprentices, fund at least four apprenticeships (260+ hours each), and serve on the advisory board. After the apprenticeships are complete, the apprentice and a representative from the host will convene for a job fair event. Expected outcomes by partnering apprentices with businesses through associations we are enlarging, linking, and strengthening social networks throughout the industry. The job fair near the end of the program will provide apprentices with a platform to highlight what they have learned, the skills they have gained, and identify career opportunities. IT will provide companies a means to connect directly with potential employees that now have knowledge of the industry - a need expressed by project partners. These student experiences will encourage problemsolving, innovation, and science communications skills to address U.S. Aquacultures most challenging issues and support longterm professional success in this growing ocean economy sector. This project is expected to increase the economic and societal impacts derived from aquaculture- related florida sea grant activities (economic benefits and number of jobs and businesses sustained). Intended beneficiaries the student/apprentices, owners of aquaculture operations and industry associations are primary beneficiaries of this project. By providing travel assistance for graduates from apprenticeship programs in neighboring states, florida sea grant will further expand networks and link industry members and workers, creating a regional training to career pipeline. If successful, communities and economies throughout and beyond florida that support aquaculture industries will benefit, including through sustaining businesses, jobs and economic benefits.