Aquaculture Technician

The objective of this course is to introduce students to the basic commands, functions, and capabilities of MS Word. It is designed for computer users who are new to word processing.

The objective of this course is to introduce students to the basic commands, functions, and capabilities of MS Excel. It is designed for computer users who are new to word processing.

This is an entry-level course to introduce students to Microsoft Outlook, including email, calendar, and  customizing functions.

The main objective of this course is to introduce students to aquaculture on both a global and local basis. Aquaculture terminology and different methods of aquaculture will be introduced, as well as discussion of coastal geography and oceanography. This course will also explore the socio-economic, political, and environmental issues associated with the aquaculture Industry in British Columbia, as well as the current regulatory framework and compliance issues.

This course will investigate shellfish farming both globally and locally. Students will explore shellfish biology and examine different methods of raising shellfish for market. Hatchery, nursery, and grow-out systems will be covered, as well as food safety.

Students will explore the life cycle and anatomy of salmonids. Stages of development from egg to adult will be investigated, the smoltification process described, and the adult stage leading to spawning discussed. Students will participate in the dissection on an adult salmon.

This course will introduce the nutritional requirements of salmonids during the hatchery and saltwater growth periods. Feeding equipment and monitoring systems to maximize growth will be discussed, as well as strategies for year-round production. Techniques, environmental conditions, and population dynamics will also be examined with respect to their effect on feeding behavior. This course will also examine the influences on appetite, growth, and feed conversion efficiency in salmonids. Students will learn to calculate growth rate and feed conversion ratios, and analyze their importance on production costs. Different feeding strategies will be studied and the importance of accurate record keeping will be emphasized.

This course will explore the influence of the environment and husbandry on the performance of fish, as well as the best practices required to maintain healthy fish. Industry and regulatory protocols are introduced. Students will learn about water quality issues and water quality monitoring procedures, as well as study some basic salmonid behaviors in response to fish health issues. Harmful Phytoplankton will be discussed, students will be introduced to the most common salmonid diseases, biosecurity protocols, and various methods of treating and addressing fish health issues.

This course examines the operation of a marine cage site including basic rigging of the anchoring systems, cages, nets, and weights. The students will also explore and practice anchor line assemblies, knots, and splicing. Further, fish handling, including weighing, grading, net changes, and harvesting will introduced. In addition, predator behavior, predator deterrence, and reporting obligations required by legislation will be covered.

This course will investigate the hatchery stage of salmonid farming. Students will explore broodstock care and spawning, incubation, first feeding, and smoltification. Flow-through circulation, re-circulation, and tank dynamics will be discussed, as well as hatchery feeding techniques.

Gain essential certifications, including SVOP, Standard First Aid, and WHMIS, to meet industry standards and enhance your qualifications in the aquaculture field.

This course focuses on helping students develop an ongoing, flexible portfolio of information about themselves and work in order to prepare them for satisfying and productive lives in an ever-changing world. The exercises and writing activities encourage students to take a proactive role in creating their futures, motivating them to become personally responsible for their life and to become an active participant in its process.

Students will work under the direct supervision of an industry mentor. To assist students as they prepare for the transition from post-secondary education to the world of work or, in the case of those re-training for a new career, to introduce students to their new area of employment.

You don’t need any prior experience. The program is designed to provide beginners with foundational skills and upskill those with related backgrounds.

Our Job Search Skills module and practicum placement will prepare you for job searching, resume building, and networking. Additionally, we have industry connections to help you find employment.

In addition to your diploma, you will receive certifications like Small Vessel Operator’s Proficiency (SVOP), Standard First Aid, and WHMIS, which are recognized within the aquaculture industry.