Are you looking to join a school of fish lovers?
This qualification is the crucial first step towards an exciting career in aquaculture. This course provides students with a range of core skills and knowledge relevant to working in the aquaculture industry. Graduates go on to further studies or working in a range on environments including onshore aquaculture facilities, offshore culture facilities and the ornamental fish industry.
Aquaculture is a fast-growing industry. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) issued a report in 2018 stating that ‘aquaculture is fastest growing food production sector worldwide’. Typical entry-level jobs for those holding Certificate II include:
- Australian and overseas aquaculture farms
- hatcheries and nurseries
- live post-harvest holding facilities, such as processing plants, wholesalers or
- transporters, pet shops, public aquaria, zoos or other facilities with aquatic animals
Study in a specialised facility in the maritime heart of Fremantle
Fremantle campus features extensive salt and freshwater aquaculture facilities, and experienced staff which offers plenty of relevant hands-on opportunities. Our staff have involved students in the culture and applied research projects of many marine and freshwater organisms over the last two decades including species such as abalone, dhufish, yellowtail kingfish, marron and barramundi.
- handling and harvesting stock,
- preparing stock for live transport,
- monitoring stock and environmental conditions,
- producing algal cultures, and
- working effectively in the seafood industry
This qualification is directly aligned with priority industry areas where the jobs are today, and into the future. As part of the state government Lower fees, local skills initiative, from 1 January 2020 through to 31 December 2025 you'll only pay half the course fees, capped for each year at $1,200; or $400 (plus resource fee) if you're aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession. Find out more
| School Leaver | Non-School Leaver | AQF |
|---|---|---|
| OLNA or NAPLAN 9 Band 8 | C Grades in Year 10 English and Maths or equivalent | Certificate I or Certificate II |
Attendance in class
This course is offered full-time, classroom based in semester 1, and offered online and on campus in semester 2. This enables remote students or students with other commitments to pursue their passion for aquaculture. Online and on campus delivery includes 2.5 weeks of compulsory practical classes on campus.
At-home study
As well as the in-class component, you will need to complete additional private study, assignment preparation, and research.
You will need to have the basic technical requirements for at-home study as well as access to Blackboard. If you don’t have access to a computer and WiFi at home, we recommend using our library computers during library hours.
To study online and on campus, you should be prepared to commit to independent study and to attend our campuses. To help you understand what it takes to study online and on campus at SM TAFE, download our info pack below.
Online and on campus study info pack (337 KB) (PDF document - opens in a new tab)
Work placement
Work placement is not mandatory for this course.
What you need for your first day of class
On your first day you should bring your SM TAFE confirmation enrolment receipt, your student ID and stationery (pen, exercise book).
In addition, the following uniform is required to be worn at all classes:
- Work issued PPE for lab work
Please note this list should be used as a guide only as job titles and qualification requirements may vary between organisations.
To access free career planning and job search assistance, visit the Jobs and Skills Centres page.
Select your preferred campus and apply
Click on your preferred campus and study mode below to get started with your application.
Semester 1, 2023
Fremantle - Full time - On Campus
| Duration | 1 Semester |
| When | Semester 1, 2023 |
| Where | Fremantle |
| How | On Campus |
Semester 2, 2022
Fremantle - Online and On Campus
| Duration | 1 Semester |
| When | Semester 2, 2022 |
| Where | Fremantle |
| How | Online and On Campus |