Working to say afloat
When he first saw an aquarium come alive, Stuart McCann knew his career path. The Newcastle native scored his dream job at Cairns marine.
EDUCATION
There are no specific educational requirements to work in the aquarium industry, but having qualifications in aquaculture is helpful, as is volunteer work and old-fashioned industry experience.
“Just start working in the industry, in the aquarium trade,” Cairns Marine maintenance and design manager Stuart McCann said.
“Whether it is a mum and dad freshwater shop or one of the big chains, you just need to want it.”
FURTHER TRAINING
The industry has a wide scope for onthe-job training and further experience.
“There is a lot to learn in the area,” Mr McCann said.
“We supply public aquariums and there is a lot of husbandry work.”
The experience doesn’t stop in the workshop, as customer service and design consultation is a key area.
“You need to be good with people,” Mr McCann said
PAY SCALE MORE INFORMATION
The pay range of a maintenance and design manager falls between $40,000 and $50,000 per year.
“If you want to make progress you need to put in the work,” Mr McCann said. Those looking to enter the industry should approach a retail aquarium or the Queensland Department of Small Business and Training for details about aquaculture traineeships at https:// training.qld.gov.au/