The Cowell Area School has developed a two year Aquaculture Course to enable students to develop a range of skills applicable for future employment in the Aquaculture Industry.

The Aquaculture Course is part of the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

The skills for aquaculture are gained through a hands on approach utilising the schools experimental oyster lease, finfish recirculating tank system and other projects including marron, yabbies and goldfish.

On the job training is further developed in conjunction with various training providers within the fishing industry (Australian Fishing Academy and TAFE) as well as local oyster, finfish, abalone and freshwater, land based aquaculture growers.

Course Aims:

• Develop a broad knowledge aquaculture
• Increase opportunities for students to gain employment
• Develop knowledge of aquaculture and its environmental implications
• To give students the opportunity to learn about diversification in land based farming, using aquaculture
• Develop a knowledge of small business management
• Pursue tertiary education
• Opportunity to gain accreditation through registered training providers
• To provide a pool of people appropriately skilled in aquaculture who are suitable for employment within the Aquaculture Industry

PURPOSE OF MARKETING PLAN
This marketing plan was developed to provide the basis for promoting and marketing the aquaculture course at Cowell Area School to the broader community with the following objectives:

• To increase student enrolments in the Aquaculture Course
• To increase industry awareness of the Aquaculture Course
• To increase community awareness of the Aquaculture Course

The Cowell Area School Aquaculture Board of Management appointed an Aquaculture Liaison Officer to:

• To liaise and promote structured workplace learning opportunities and placement, particularly within the Aquaculture Industry.
• To take a role in promoting and marketing industry at school, industry and community level

The appointment of an Aquaculture Liaison Officer saw many developments through the year. Cowell Area School was the first school to export oysters overseas through OYSA.

The Aquaculture Liaison Officer set on a marketing plan for Cowell Area School, such activities included:

• Attending Adelaide Boat Show
• Attending Leigh Creek Careers Expo
• Organising a Careers Opportunities Expo in Cowell displaying Cowell Area School Aquaculture as well as providing the opportunity for students to come in contact with other industry such as the Defence Force, TAFE and Universities.
• Increased awareness and participation level of School Workplace Learning by providing a meeting with community members and Industry.
• Ongoing program for editorials, press releases and advertisements.

Cowell Area School is a trial school in a National Training Package for Seafood Industry.

SUMMARY OF KEY OUTCOMES:

• Developed Aquaculture Logo Developed website with links from other sites
• Brochures – redesigned and reprinted Photographic displays
• Signage at School
• Media Releases
• Networking with relevant groups
• Presentations at relevant conferences, workshops, meetings
• Attendance at relevant Field Days and Expos
• Mail outs to schools
• Development of Aquaculture Scholarship Development of Aquaculture sponsorship board