Mariculture Summer Apprenticeships

Are you interested in the prospect of making your living from the ocean? Or are you a mariculture business in search of motivated workers? Consider applying for a Mariculture Summer Apprenticeship.

Alaska Sea Grant is seeking applications from both potential apprentices and host businesses for positions that would start in the spring/summer of 2026.

• Interested businesses can apply to host an apprentice. Applications are due by January 31, 2026.
• Apprentice applications will be available here on January 15, 2026, and are due by February 28.

Details for hosts

Beginning in mid-December, mariculture businesses can apply to host an apprentice. If selected, Alaska Sea Grant will help recruit an apprentice to work at their business, provide the apprentice a baseline training before they start, and provide the apprentice with a $750/week stipend for up to ten weeks of work.

Eligible hosts include hatcheries, nurseries, farms, processors, or any other business heavily involved in the mariculture sector.

Host businesses are eligible to receive $80/day through the Alaska Mariculture Alliance Industry Host Support Program as a benefit for hosting an apprentice and providing them with professional and skill development. Additionally, hosts who provide apprentices with room and board can receive an additional $1,000/month ($500 for food, $500 for housing).

Host applications will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• demonstration that an apprentice will be trained and have adequate supervision from an experienced mentor
• demonstration of a strong safety track record and best management practices
• potential for apprentice skill development

Host applicants will be notified by February 9 if they are accepted. Alaska Sea Grant will conduct an initial round of apprentice vetting, after which we will share all apprentice application materials with accepted hosts. Hosts will be responsible for getting in touch with apprentices that are a good fit, setting up an interview, and contacting references. Hosts and apprentices are encouraged to agree to an apprenticeship by March 31 to allow both parties time to plan and prepare for a 2026 spring or summer start.

Details for apprentices

Starting January 15, interested individuals can submit a short application to Alaska Sea Grant, including a résumé, at least one professional reference, and answers to questions designed to better understand the applicant’s interests and fit with mariculture. Applicants of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and must be at least 18 years of age with a high school degree or GED.

After an initial review, Alaska Sea Grant will forward apprentice application materials to hosts who have been vetted for their workplace safety practices and potential for providing a strong learning environment. Hosts will contact apprentices directly to set up an interview and potentially offer a position. Hosts and apprentices are encouraged to agree to an apprenticeship by March 31 to allow both parties time to plan and prepare for a 2026 spring or summer start.

In May, Alaska Sea Grant will host a “mariculture bootcamp,” a three-day training for apprentices to learn marine and workplace safety, knot tying, and basics of Alaska mariculture. Travel, room, and board for this workshop will be provided. If apprentices are unable to attend this training, online training will be provided to ensure that apprentices arrive prepared for their positions.

FAQs

What is the timeframe for summer apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships can begin anytime after May 1. Due to current funding restrictions, all apprenticeships must conclude by August 30. Apprenticeships should last for at least three weeks, and up to ten—it is up to the host and the apprentice to agree on a length. In some cases, hosts may be interested in hiring apprentices as employees after the completion of the program. 

Can I receive college credit for this apprenticeship?

Yes. All apprentices will be enrolled in a one-credit course through the University of Alaska, and can receive up to three credits for a ten-week apprenticeship. Additionally, this program meets the internship requirements of the University of Alaska Southeast Aquaculture Semester.

Will travel support be available for the apprentices?

Yes. We can cover travel to the host destination, as well as to the mariculture bootcamp in May.

Will housing be provided?

In some cases, hosts may have free or subsidized housing available to apprentices, but this is not guaranteed and should be discussed during interviews. Please indicate in your application if you have housing options in a particular community and we will do our best to match you with a host business there.

Will worker’s compensation be required to host apprentices? 

No. We will cover a Student Accident Insurance plan in lieu of worker’s comp during the apprenticeship period. However, hosts that employ the apprentice beyond ten weeks should look into plans, if not already in place.

Questions? Please contact James Crimp, Alaska Sea Grant Shellfish Mariculture Specialist.