Commercial Fisheries Of Rhode Island Apprenticeship Program

Program Description

The Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island is the home for the Ocean State's commercial fishing community. The center was founded to preserve commercial fishing as a profession, culture, and way of life through promoting the sustainability of the resource.

The Commercial Fisheries Center also runs a Commercial Fisheries Apprenticeship Program to train the next generation of fishermen in all aspects of commercial fishing. The fishing industry is an aging one, and it is vital to inspire others to become the next-generation of conservation-minded fishermen.

Training

The Commercial Fisheries Apprenticeship Program is an excellent opportunity to get a reliable and good paying job on board a commercial fishing vessel in the state of Rhode Island. We will give you the training and experience that you need to better your skills and make you a candidate for this exciting and rewarding position.

What is included and provided:

Commitment of a 4-week program (Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm)
Daily one-hour lunch break with $15 stipend
3 days at sea aboard vessel. Get to select 2 types of fishing experiences (Trawling, lobstering, gillnetting, dredging)
All gear is provided (boots, foul-weather gear, gloves)
All course material and books are provided
Upon completion of 4 week course you will receive a $1,000 stipend
Commitment from vessels to hire as a crewmember

Veterans may also be eligible for Veterans education benefits including additional stipend for up to 2000 hours of apprenticeship training or one year, whichever is achieved first. Visit the VA's Education page or call 1-888-GI-Bill1 to see if you are eligible.

Eligibility

Must have driver’s license and reliable form of transportation
Must pass background check and drug test
Must be willing to commit to the program for 4 weeks
Most importantly, must be interested in making a career in commercial fishing

Contact Info

Fred Mattera

401-741-4178

fredmattera@cfcri.org