As a rapidly growing Australian primary industry, Aquaculture demands a talented and diverse workforce who will find employment not only in the retail and wholesale seafood trade, but as aquaculture advisors (for commercial or government operation), aquatic science, equipment technicians, fish farmers, environmental monitoring and analysis.
NMIT has one of Victoria’s few indoor recirculating aquaculture centres, which will soon include an aquatic animal health laboratory and hatchery. Other facilities include a water quality laboratory, research laboratory, meat and fish processing facilities and processing, smoking, packing facilities. NMIT also houses over 30,000 juvenile fish (current as of October 2011) and has 2000kg fresh and saltwater fish.
Take a look at some of the facilities
NMIT offers many pathways for students to further their studies. Many courses complement each other and allow students to gain deeper knowledge and higher qualifications.
Opportunities for complementary education in different sectors of NMIT’s Higher Education Primary Industries department, where students will complete the same core subjects and have opportunities for electives in different industries.
Student success stories:
- Ben is working towards creating greener fuels developed from algae
- Daniel found his future in Aquaculture through NMIT
Available Courses (5)
Associate Degree of Aquaculture and Environmental Management
NMIT is the first Melbourne metropolitan region TAFE institute to establish a full-time course in applied aquaculture and aquatic environmental management at the associate degree level. This two-year qualification is a hands-on, vocational program designed to allow participants to make an instant impact upon entering the aquaculture, environmental management or related industries.
Bachelor of Aquaculture and Environmental Management
NMIT is the first Victorian TAFE institute to establish a full-time course in applied aquaculture and aquatic environmental management at the bachelor degree level.
Certificate II in Seafood Industry (Aquaculture)
This qualification functions as the entry point into the aquaculture sectors of the seafood industry, and is aimed at providing participants with a variety of core skills and underpinning knowledge required to work as a field hand in the aquaculture sector. This course is offered as a traineeship only. You must be a qualified trainee to apply.
Certificate III in Seafood Industry (Aquaculture)
This qualification is aimed at providing participants with a broad range of skills and underpinning knowledge that can be adapted and transferred to new activities, and is targeted at the level of a skilled worker or leading farm hand. This course is offered as a traineeship only. You must be a qualified trainee to apply.
Certificate III in Seafood Industry (Seafood Processing)
If you have already received basic training in seafood processing, the Certificate III can qualify you to work as a supervisor, shift manage or process manager. You will be able to take responsibility for making decisions and coordinating work teams. NMIT’s Epping campus has one of Victoria's few indoor recirculating aquaculture facilities.
Higher Ed. Courses (2)
Associate Degree of Aquaculture and Environmental Management
NMIT is the first Melbourne metropolitan region TAFE institute to establish a full-time course in applied aquaculture and aquatic environmental management at the associate degree level. This two-year qualification is a hands-on, vocational program designed to allow participants to make an instant impact upon entering the aquaculture, environmental management or related industries.
Bachelor of Aquaculture and Environmental Management
NMIT is the first Victorian TAFE institute to establish a full-time course in applied aquaculture and aquatic environmental management at the bachelor degree level.
Available Short Courses (3)
Hatchery Management
This course has been designed to provide practical knowledge and skills to use the technology currently available in the fish hatchery production industry. At the end of this course participants will be able to select suitable methods and prepare for the production of fish in a hatchery.
Introduction to Aquaculture
This course has been designed to provide a comprehensive range of topics relevant to the aquaculture industry and to enable students to establish a fish farming operation. At the end of this course, participants will be able to develop fish farming operations for large or small holdings and limited resources.
Plant and Equipment
This course will provide practical knowledge and skills to build and maintain and aquaculture system. Topics include: pond culture structures, water supply and disposal systems, use of tools, fixtures and fittings, ecologically sustainable development principles and practices.
