Education to bring net gains for Irish seafood sector EQUIPPING the Irish seafood sector with the proper and relevant skills in business, financial management, marketing, law and innovation is essential to its sustainability and growth in a post-Brexit era. This is according to international fisheries and aquaculture expert Dr. Sigurdur Grétar Bogason who has more than 30 years of industry and academic research experience in the international seafood sector. Dr. Bogason was speaking at the official launch at Wexford County Council offices of the Higher Diploma in Business in Aquabusiness at Institute of Te c h n o l o g y C a r l o w We x f o r d Campus, a new academic program m e t a ilore d f o r th e n e x t generation of seafood producers, managers and entrepreneurs. The course is the only Level 8 programme of its kind in the country and is a collaboration between Institute of Technology Carlow, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and IFA Aquaculture.
Ireland’s global seafood sector. According to BIM’s recently published Business of Seafood report, the seafood industry in Ireland currently employs more than 14,000 people and the Government policy document Harvesting Our Ocean’s Wealth 2012 highlights training as
"The seafood industry in Ireland currently employs more than 14,000 people
Higher Diploma in Business
in AQUABUSINESS This course is designed to cater for those looking to enter management roles in Aquabusiness, Aquaeconomics, financial or regulatory roles in R&D or in a seafood processing company. The course may also appeal to those looking to start an Aquabusiness company or expand an existing company into new markets.
COURSE CONTENT Developed in partnership with Board Iascaigh Mhara (BIM – Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency), this programme offers modules in: — Aquabusiness Environment
Movers and shakers “In Iceland, there are now three universities delivering programmes for the seafood sector, one of which, in the north of the country, is a three-year degree course. Most of the movers and shakers in the seafood sector are graduates of this programme”, said Dr. Bogason. “Now with BREXIT looming ahead and increasing concerns about how trade will fare in the changed environment, companies in the seafood sector have started to prepare own scenarios and are putting strategies in place to meet any upcoming challenges. "Equipping the sector with the education and skills it needs is essential to the realisation of a strong and sustainable seafood sector that can meet whatever challenges lie ahead”. The Higher Diploma in Business in Aquabusiness aims to expand
essential to the continued growth of the sector. Designed to assist producers, mana g e r s a n d e n t re p re n e u r s , t h e programme has strong links with industry and includes lectures, work placement, guest lecturers and site visits.
Open to candidates from the SEAFOOD INDUSTRY including fisheries, aquaculture & seafood processing
— Law and Regulation for Aquabusiness
Supported by:
— Strategic and Innovation Management
• Irish South and East Fish Producers Organisation (ISEFPO)
— Financial Management and Planning — Marketing Management in Aquabusiness
• Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation (IS&WFPO)
— Work Placement or Work Based Project
• Women in Fisheries Network (WIFN)
COURSE FEES 2019-2020 €2,500, however fees could be reduced if paid in full before 6th September 2019 and if candidates are successful in securing fundings assists.
For information on course content and applications please contact:
Applications are invited on the BIM grants portal www.bim.flexigrant.com for European Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF) assistance towards the cost of this programme. Grant aid of 50% of course fees and learner support costs are available for individuals in the sector.
Brian O’Loan BIM Email: aquabus@bim.ie Mobile: 087 2626578
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS — NFQ Level 7 or level 8 Award or equivalent in a related discipline. — Candidates who do not have a Level 7 or higher award but have other relevant industry experience may be eligible for the programme through RPL. Candidates may be required to attend an interview.
COURSE DELIVERY This course will take place every fortnight on Fridays and on Saturdays from 10-4pm over the academic year. Location: Institute of Technology Carlow, Wexford Campus, Summerhill Road, Wexford Course Start: Friday, 13th September 2019 Closing date for applications: Friday, 30th August 2019
Ireland’s EU Structural and Investment Funds Programmes 2014 - 2020 Co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union
Dr Janette Davies Deputy Head Wexford Campus IT Carlow Email: janette.davies@itcarlow.ie Phone: 053 9185808
“I recommend anyone working in the Aquaculture industry in management to engage with this programme, it is very comprehensive, relevant and practical. I will encourage all future employees to do this course if they do not have a business background.” Mag Kirwan – Goatsbridge Trout Farm
EUROPEAN UNION This measure is part-financed by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund
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