Trainee program is strengthening Vestland’s blue competence

- The interest in the seafood trainee program has grown significantly. This year we had a 40% increase in applications, with more than 800 applicants, says program manager in NCE Seafood Innovation, Lena Bekken.

She considers this rising trend reflects both the growing appeal of the seafood sector among young professionals and Vestland’s strong position as a global hub for aquaculture innovation, marine technology, and sustainable ocean industries.

The Seafood Trainee program is a combination of a job in a seafood company, and an academic program of twelve days spread over four modules where one session will take place abroad. Most importantly, you gain knowledge of new and innovative fish farming in Norway, like Eide Fjordbruk’s Watermoon technlogy. Photo: Charlotte Hartvigsen Lem.  

First in Norway

Launched in 2016, the Seafood Trainee program is Norway’s first national trainee scheme dedicated to the seafood industry. It combines full-time employment in a seafood company with a structured professional development program consisting of four learning modules over one year — including an international module that offers global insight into the sector.

The program targets candidates with academic backgrounds in biology, technology, aquaculture, business, law, marketing, and social sciences — providing a unique entry point into one of Norway’s most innovative and globally connected industries.

So far, more than 200 participants have completed the program, with many continuing their careers within the seafood cluster. Each year, approximately 30 new trainees join the initiative, representing a growing wave of young professionals eager to contribute to a sustainable ocean economy.

Want to learn more about the talent initiatives in Vestland? Check here:

Full time employment

The program gives the trainees full-time employment in a seafood company during the trainee year. In addition, they receive four modules covering innovation, sustainability, technology, value chains, and leadership. One module is hosted abroad, to give the trainees international exposure.

Another important feature is the network effect. The participants through all the years have built a strong professional network, linking participants to key industry leaders and experts.

- Through this hands-on approach, trainees gain practical experience, business insight, and valuable industry connections, preparing them for long-term careers in the seafood value chain, concludes Lena Bekken.

Bergen – the aquaculture capital

Invest in Vestland finds the NCE Seafood Innovation trainee program a clear example of how public and private collaboration can nurture talent, accelerate innovation, and build a more sustainable blue economy.

It provides local companies with access to motivated, highly skilled talent at the same time as it encourages young professionals to build their careers and futures in Vestland.

With Bergen as the seafood capital of Norway, Vestland offers a robust aquacultural ecosystem with leading aquaculture companies, pioneering supply chain start-ups and leading research institutions and cluster organizations.

Learn more of what you find in our region here.

Would you like to explore our seafood value chains? Don’t hesitate to contact us: We would love to connect you.

NCE Seafood Innovation. Seafood Trainee program is a unique initiative that, and expertise across the region’s key industries. While celebrating the cluster’s 10-year anniversary, their trainee program also has a record number of applicants. Photo: Charlotte Hartvigsen Lem.