Workforce Development
Fisheries & Aquaculture Job Board
Click the link above to view current job openings with the Virginia marine industry.
Virginia Young Fisherman's Initiative
The vision for “Young Fishermen’s Workshop” is to provide an opportunity for younger generation fishermen (and women) to continue (or begin) their involvement in commercial fishing and preserve the fishing heritage through workshops, training, and networking opportunities. Our next public workshop is planned for January 2025.
Marine Trades Career Expo
The Marine Trades Career Expo is a public event geared toward high school students and recent graduates. The expo will bring together several local companies to discuss opportunities in aquaculture, commercial fishing, boat building, marine mechanics, seamanship, and more. Some employers will be activiely recruiting summer help while others will simply there to answer questions. The innaugural expo is planned for March 2024.
Marine Trades Summer Externship for High School Students (Future Offerings Contingent Upon Funding)
The Marine Trades Summer Externship is a paid work-based learning experience for high school students with an interest in aquaculture and associated marine industries. If funded, the program will be piloted in Gloucester County with the goal of expanding it to Virginia's Northern Neck and Eastern Shore. This will not only expose local high school students to a variety of career opportunities, it will help fill a critical need for workers in the Mid-Atlantic's rapidly expanding aquaculture industry.
Pursuing a Career in the Marine Sciences
Coastal and ocean research involves more subjects and skills than you probably realize! Click the link above to download our PDF outlining both college-track and vocational pathways to jobs in marine science and its related trades.