Paid Oyster Farm Training in Southern RI

The Education Exchange is excited to begin recruitment for its new workforce development training program in Aquaculture. The Aquaculture Training Program is a 5 week hands-on training aimed at preparing Rhode Islanders with the skills they need to acquire entry-level jobs in the rapidly growing field of Aquaculture and Hospitality. Participants will get an inside view of the farm to table experience Rhode Island is known for. The program is the result of a grant received through the Real Jobs Rhode Island initiative, led by Governor Gina Raimondo and the Department of Labor and Training.

The 5 week training session will prepare individuals to work in a number of positions throughout the Aquaculture industry and be provided with a stipend. Participants will be instructed in key employment areas such as essential job skills, basic boating skills, boating tools and maintenance, shellfish biology, dealer and shipper skills and more. The Education Exchange is looking to recruit 16 individuals for each of its two training sessions. Held at the Education Exchange twice a year, the first round will begin April 4th and run through May 6th, with the second beginning August 1st through September 2nd. All participants will receive a weekly stipend of $9.60 per hour during the training. Classroom hours will be from 9am to 3pm, while time served at on-site trainings will vary.

The Education Exchange has partnered with local Southern RI businesses in the Aquaculture & Hospitality industry to provide employers with a trained and skilled workforce. Through this collaboration, participants will have the chance to work side by side with potential employers during the on-site portion of the training at locations such Matunuck Oyster Farm & Bar, East Beach Farm, Behan Family Farms, The Ocean House and numerous others while learning the skills necessary for beginning a career in Aquaculture. Individuals who complete the training will be qualified to work in a number of positions, including but not limited to: Oyster Farm Hand, Seafood Packaging & Delivery, Raw Bar Attendant, Catering, Restaurant Support Staff, and more.

Interested individuals must fill out an application to register. Applications can be found on the Education Exchange website or by contacting 401-783-0293. Applications will be accepted no later than March 18th.

The Education Exchange is a 501- c(3) non-profit adult education center located in Peace Dale, Rhode Island. The Education Exchange offers a variety of adult education, GED/ESL and work readiness programs to prepare adult learners to succeed in college, vocational training, and/or the workplace. The Education Exchange has satellite class locations in North Kingstown, Westerly and Hope Valley. www.edexri.org