North Island College is getting a new pilot project for their Campbell River campus.
NIC’s Centre for Applied Research, Technology and Innovation (CARTI) will receive a seaweed industry pilot project focusing on sustainable seaweed cultivation, processing, and marketing.
MLA for North Island Michele Babchuk said supporting the seaweed industry will help create job opportunities for people in northern Vancouver Island.
“This pilot project is part of our government’s commitment to the economic health and future of northern Vancouver Island, and I am excited to see NIC prepare people for successful careers in the seaweed industry.”
The program aims to create a skilled workforce helping support economic resilience and growth in the region.
The project has seven micro-credentials and gives hands-on field training delivered over 18 months and is expected to host 80 participants.
Executive Director of Pacific Seaweed Industry Association said there’s a job demand in the industry and hopes this project fixes it.
“The sector is not only expected to provide an important food source in the future, but a source of revenue and employment, so this announcement will help us fill a demand for trained employees that is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades.”
The province is supporting the project with $1.2 million over three years and registration opens in October for courses in the winter and spring 2025 semesters.
