New Zealand Certificate in Aquaculture (Fish Farming) - Level 3 with strand in Hatchery

Program Overview

This 16-week, 50-credit program combines theory classes with industry-based practicals to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable aquaculture systems, hatchery management, and fish farming. Through hands-on experience and industry partnerships, graduates are well-prepared for entry-level positions in the growing aquaculture industry. The program is eligible for the Zero Fees Scheme, with direct material costs of $462.00 (GST inclusive).

Program Outline

Outline:

Course Content: This course focuses on sustainable aquaculture systems, hatchery management, and fish farming. Students will gain knowledge and skills in the following areas:

• Aquaculture Systems (SAQ301):
• Identifying and describing a range of aquaculture growing systems.
• Exploring and illustrating a system within an aquaculture operation.
• Identifying and undertaking regular basic routine system checks.
• Constructing a basic aquaculture system and describing the functions of components.
• Hatchery Introduction (SAQ302):
• Illustrating the lifecycle of a nominated species and naming the stages of the cycle.
• Monitoring and recording water quality requirements for a nominated species.
• Performing routine hatchery practice and documenting.
• Undertaking basic husbandry assessments.
• Husbandry Introduction (SAQ303):
• Undertaking collaborative feeding routines.
• Identifying and managing environment and health requirements for a nominated species.
• Accurately recording collected data.
• Aquaculture Industry Experience (SAQ304):
• Identifying workplace hazards and showing compliance with health and safety associated with an aquaculture operation.
• Showing compliance with environmental requirements within an aquaculture operation.
• Communicating effectively within a team in an aquaculture operation.
• Following relevant Standard Operating Procedures within an aquaculture operation.

Course Structure:

• Flexible learning approach combining two days of theory classes per week (offered both onsite and online) with two weeks of onsite industry-based practicals.
• 16 weeks full-time
• 50 credits

Individual Modules:

• Aquaculture Systems (SAQ301): This module provides a comprehensive overview of various aquaculture growing systems, their operation, and maintenance.
• Hatchery Introduction (SAQ302): This module delves into the lifecycle of a chosen species, water quality requirements, routine hatchery practices, and basic husbandry assessments.
Students will learn to illustrate the lifecycle, monitor water quality, perform routine hatchery tasks, and conduct basic assessments of the species. Students will learn how to participate in feeding routines, identify and manage environmental and health requirements, conduct basic assessments, and record collected data accurately.
• Aquaculture Industry Experience (SAQ304): This module provides hands-on experience in an actual aquaculture operation.
Students will learn to identify workplace hazards and comply with health and safety regulations, comply with environmental requirements, communicate effectively within a team, and follow standard operating procedures.

Assessment:

Assessment methods:

• Assignments
• Practical demonstrations
• Industry-based projects
• Presentations
• Observations

Assessment criteria:

• Knowledge and understanding of aquaculture systems and practices
• Ability to apply knowledge and skills in practical situations
• Communication skills
• Teamwork skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Compliance with health and safety regulations

Teaching:

Teaching methods:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Practical demonstrations
• Field trips
• Industry guest speakers
• Online learning resources

Faculty:

• Experienced and qualified aquaculture professionals
• Strong industry connections
• Passionate about teaching and supporting students

Unique approaches:

• Strong industry focus through partnerships with aquaculture businesses
• Flexible learning approach
• Emphasis on hands-on practical experience

Careers:

Potential career paths:

• Aquaculture technician
• Farm assistant
• Research assistant
• Hatchery worker
• Marine farm worker
• Aquaculture entrepreneur

Career opportunities:

• Growing demand for skilled professionals in the aquaculture industry
• Opportunities to work in a variety of aquaculture settings
• Potential for career advancement with further education and experience

Career outcomes:

• Graduates will be well-prepared for entry-level positions in the aquaculture industry
• Opportunities to develop a successful career in this growing field
• Make a positive contribution to sustainable seafood production

Other:

• This program is eligible for the Zero Fees Scheme.
• Direct material costs: $462.00 (GST inclusive).
• International fees can be found here.
• Ocean Beach, an industry partner, offers unique aquaculture career opportunities in Southland, New Zealand.