Practical tRaining for AquaCulture educaTors In Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

For the partners, this project developed from a recognition that job readiness and technology skills are important learning outcomes for today's students. In addition to providing very specific skill sets, working with business and industry helps students to be adaptable, so they can upskill as technology advances and industries evolve. For the industry partner, there is the additional benefit of expanding the knowledge of the needs of industry and supporting future recruitment. Digitalization and high tech industry needs different skill sets than the past. To educate students with relevant vocational education and training, their teachers must be prepared to teach these topics. Previously, aquaculture industry growth has mainly been achieved in ponds and cages (ocean farming) in specific coastal areas which are being depleted. Land-based RAS has gained an increased interest in the industry as it is not limited by the availability of coastal areas for fish farming, and it is highly automated at all levels, with considerable sustainability and fish disease prevention advantages. RAS has already become a key technology in the European aquaculture industry, both for current farmed species and new species.

To develop an intensive and specific combined e-training and onsite program in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) for teachers at upper secondary/higher secondary school, employees at RAS companies and for trainers at AquaBioTech Group (ABT) to overcome skill mismatch between VET and industry requirements. This will consist of background and theoretical training modules which will consist of self-paced online learning (8 hours of content) before a 1-week (5 days) intensive training visit to ABT's research RAS facility. To perform a pilot of this course to teachers from Val, representatives from Norwegian RAS companies, and upcoming trainers of ABT. To review the course and collect feedback for its future improvement. To conduct a preliminary exploration of recruitment methods for the delivery of the course to additional target groups and identify participating organisations for future programs and projects. To close a gap between VET at the upper secondary level and industry progress in aquaculture technology, providing students with up-to-date knowledge that business is seeking through the training of their teachers.