Year: 2024
Relevance
Limited workforce availability is a challenge often reported by commercial oyster operations. Stakeholders indicated that funds would help them to recruit high quality workers which would increase their business productivity.
Response
The development and implementation of the COAST program is in direct response to concerns over workforce availability for commercial oyster farming. The second year of the COAST Program recruited and provided funding to three oyster farms to participate in the apprenticeship program.
Results
The COAST program provided $16,200 toward training of three apprentices. These apprentices received hands-on training on commercial oyster farms in Alabama and Mississippi. All three apprentices were hired on at the farm at the completion of the program. During this period, three jobs were created, providing trained workers for the business and income for the former apprentices, according to conversations with participating farms.
Recap
A hands-on oyster farming apprenticeship program provided extensive training, which led to future employment for three apprentices, enhanced oyster farming businesses and helped expand the industry.