Tide’s Out: A Training Program for the Next Generation of the Aquaculture Workforce
Shellfish aquaculture is central to rural coastal communities, but many companies have struggled in recent years to recruit and retain a steady workforce to sustain the industry.
In response, Washington Sea Grant created Tide’s Out, a FREE two-part training program for the next generation of the aquaculture industry workforce.
The Manager Leadership Summit aims to equip employers with tools for recruiting and retaining a next-generation aquaculture workforce.
The Crew Training Course is designed to teach youth and young adults the technical and soft skills for success in aquaculture and other careers related to the maritime industry or marine resource management.
The FREE 3-day Manager Leadership Summit uses a curriculum developed in partnership with Sea Potential that aims to equip employers with best practices and resources for employee retention, safety and well-being. Participation is open to any current or aspiring owner, manager or supervisor in the shellfish and seafood industry, and participants are encouraged to pick and choose which sessions are most relevant for their own professional development. Resources are available to support English language learners.
2026 Summit
Location: Ilwaco, WA
Topics and Schedule:
- Day 1 (March 11, 2026) will focus on Advanced Maritime Safety Training, and is intended for any supervisor, manager or owner.
- Day 2 (March 12, 2026) will focus on Best Practices for Employee Retention, and is intended for anyone who supervises or manages employees.
- Day 3 (March 13, 2026) will focus on Community Partners and Resources, and is intended for managers and owners (i.e., staff with the authority to make company-wide strategic decisions).
Please contact Nicole Naar (nanaar@uw.edu or 530-760-8073) with any questions.
Registration will be open until March 1, 2026.
Crew Training Course
The FREE 4-day Crew Training Course is designed to provide youth and young adults the skills for being a successful shellfish farmhand and processor. Participation is open to anyone age 16+ looking to learn more about working in the coastal shellfish industry, the broader maritime sector and/or marine resource management. Resources are available to support English language learners.
2026 Course
Location: South Bend, WA
Topics:
- Shellfish cultivation and processing
- Shellfish biology and ecology
- Maritime safety, first aid, and seamanship
- Work conditions and career opportunities
Course Schedule:
- TBD – Summer 2026
Please contact Stuart Thomas (sthomas25@uw.edu or 206-543-8066) with any questions.