Golden Bay Aquaculture Scholarship winner
Vaun Shearer is delighted to be awarded the scholarship: “I applied and was blown away when I found out I’d won it. It’s awesome.” Photo: Supplied.
The inaugural Marine Farming Association Aquaculture Scholarship has been awarded to 17-year-old Vaun Shearer of Pupu Valley.
The scholarship is only for Golden Bay students and it pays half the course fees for the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology two-year Diploma in Aquaculture (Fish Farming and Management).
Vaun graduated from Golden Bay High School last year and was considering a career in marine biology when he found out about NMIT’s new diploma and the scholarship.
“I applied and was blown away when I found out I’d won it. It’s awesome. My friends were really surprised because no one really knew about the diploma or the scholarship but now it’s become a real career option for the Bay.”
The diploma is the first of its level (NZQA level 5) in New Zealand. The programme has been developed in consultation with key players in the industry.
Subjects include aquatic animal anatomy and physiology, aquatic ecology, fishery management, aquaculture, fish and shellfish health and nutrition; Maori aquaculture interests; business and environmental management.
Vaun has recently started the course and says it even better than he expected.
“It’s really good so far. It’s covering everything to do with aquaculture and there are also a lot more practical skills than I was expecting.”
Vaun encourages school leavers in Golden Bay to apply for the next scholarship.
“Just go for it, it’s really, really good – don’t hesitate. It’s a great industry. And once you’ve done this diploma, there are all sorts of opportunities opening up in Golden Bay for aquaculture. I’m not sure exactly what I’ll end up doing. I plan to experience all the aspects the diploma has to offer and then make up my mind, but I’ll definitely be returning to the Bay.”
The head of aquaculture programme at NMIT, Dr Mark Burdass says the scholarship is a practical way of encouraging people from Golden Bay to consider a career that’s on their back doorstep.
“The industry is in a growth phase across the Top of the South and this diploma is a pathway into a career that allows young people to return to the Bay to work. Putting local people into local jobs is a key aspect of the diploma’s role. We’re pleased to have someone as enthusiastic as Vaun starting his career with us.”
Vaun has always been interested in the sea, thanks to living in Golden Bay.
“I’m a hands-on person and I wanted a hands-on career”, he said. “The diploma’s going to set me up to use both my head and my hands; it’s great”.
Marine Farming Association CEO Graeme Coates says he’s pleased Vaun has taken up the opportunity.
“We see Golden Bay as a growth area for marine farming, and want to invest in the youth of the region,” says Graeme. “Vaun has a bright future, and the Marine Farming Association is proud to have this connection with NMIT.”
High school students who would like to apply can do so immediately through their school or by by contacting NMIT. The application includes a 400-word essay explaining their reasons for wanting to work in the industry.
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