Aquaculture Technician Diploma

Gain the skills, experience, and confidence you need to become a professional in the aquaculture industry.

Program Description

Farmed salmon is BC’s largest agricultural export, with annual production volumes of 92,000 tonnes – valued at more than $800 million. The industry directly employs more than 7,000 people in BC’s coastal communities and is expected to expand significantly in the next ten years, to eventually support more than 12,000 full-time jobs directly and indirectly.

This program provides the training and industry certifications you need to become an integral part of the growing aquaculture industry and work in BC’s coastal wilderness!

This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.

About the Program

For additional program details, complete the online application form or contact us.

  • Students are required to be 19 years of age prior to the start of the program or possess a high school diploma (or equivalent), provide evidence of successful completion of a physical fitness assessment (at an approved facility or medical clinic), and provide evidence of one of the following English proficiency requirements:

    For students who attended an English-language high school, proof of one of the following:

    • Minimum Grade 10 English, or

    • Accuplacer Grade 10 level or higher

    For students whose first language is not English, proof of English proficiency ability (one of the following):

    • IELTS 6.0 overall, or

    • Cambridge English Scale: score of 169 or higher, or

    • Cambridge English: Advanced score of Grade C, or

    • Cambridge English: Business Vantage score of Grade C, or

    • Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLBPT) minimum score of 7, or

    • CELPIP minimum score of 7, or

    • TOEFL score of at least 60, or

    • TOEIC score of at least 605, or

    • Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of at least 46, or

    • CAEL minimum score of 50, or

    • Duolingo English test score of 95 or higher, or

    • Excel Career College entrance test with a minimum of 65%

  • Domestic Pricing:
    Tuition: $11,500.00
    Student Application Fee: $250.00
    Textbooks: $960.74
    Other Fees (Industry Certifications): $2,206.25
    Total: $14,916.99

    International Pricing:
    Tuition: $18,500.00
    Student Application Fee: $1,000.00
    Administrative Fee: $200.00
    Textbooks: $960.74
    Other Fees (Industry Certifications): $2,206.25
    Total: $22,866.99

    Please review our Refund Policy.

  • Types of employment for this program include working as an Aquaculture Technician in fish farms, fishing guiding operations, hatcheries, stream restoration projects, processing plants, fisheries observation companies, shellfish cultivating companies, and harvesting companies.

    Employment in aquaculture operations sometimes requires living in camp situations, and may include operating boats in marine operations.

  • 520 hours (approx. 25 weeks) of synchronous training, including 400 hours of in-person training, 80 hours of in-class industry certifications, and 40 hours of non-camp practicum placement or 80 hours of camp practicum placement.

Is a Professional Aquaculture Technician Career Right For You?

Take the "Excel Career College Aquaculture Technician Career Readiness Quiz"

The fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.Get Your Aquaculture Technician Career Training Readiness Score Now!

Looking for more information?

Our team is happy to help you gather more information, discuss funding options, or apply. Fill out our online application form or contact us to discuss the next steps.