What are the job prospects after graduating?

They're good, and the future is looking even better. The government has set a goal of growing aquaculture to a $3 billion industry by 2035, with an estimated 600 or so new jobs expected in the sector alone. These aren't only technician roles; they span the whole industry. New Zealand King Salmon has opened the country's first open-ocean salmon farm in the Marlborough Sounds, and a similar farm has been approved near Stewart Island, both of which bring new roles.

Right now, commercial aquaculture (both shellfish and finfish) has the strongest demand. Research has historically been one of the biggest employers of our graduates, although research funding has been tight recently.

Most of our students have jobs lined up by the time they graduate. Industry often contacts NMIT during the year with casual, part-time or summer jobs for our students, because they've already met them through placements. Placements work a bit like a two-week job interview, for you as well as the employer. You see how a business treats its staff, what the culture is like, and whether you like the work.

One thing to know: if you're open to relocating, you'll have more options. There are plenty of jobs in the top of the South, and there are also lots of opportunities elsewhere in New Zealand and in Australia, where finfish roles are in high demand.