A new fish farming diploma course at the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology is proving popular and reflects a predicted boom in the aquaculture industry, according to School of Technology, Primary Industries and Maritime Studies head Jeff Wilson.
So far 16 of the 20 places have been filled for the first intake for next year's inaugural Diploma of Aquaculture (Fish Farming and Management). Further applicants will be interviewed in the coming weeks.
Wilson said he had been pleasantly surprised by the numbers applying and the quality of the applicants.
They range from school leavers to mature applicants who were changing careers. The mix included those who had already worked in the industry, including processors and deckhands, and those who wanted a complete career change.
Most are from the top of the south, as well as Auckland, Wellington, and a student coming from France.
"They're really keen to train here, where aquaculture is so respected," Wilson said.
Many of the students were also impressed with the programme's links with internationally renowned aquaculture organisations such as the Cawthron Institute, and liked the fact that the course would involve hands-on learning of fish farming skills as well as classroom work, he said.
"They have realised this industry has huge potential, and they can see the massive growth likely to occur."
The diploma was unique in what it offered, he said.
"No-one else is teaching fish farming and management to this level in New Zealand, and that's what the applicants are saying attracted them to the diploma."
The diploma course has been designed by leading international aquaculture educationalist and consultant Mark Burdass, who has accepted the job of running the programme. He will arrive in Nelson next month.
[Source: The Nelson Mail]
