Blue Economy

The Blue Economy

The Blue Economy involves economic activities related to oceans, seas and coasts. It provides jobs that use renewable energy and clean technologies in industries like fisheries and aquaculture, shipbuilding and maritime tourism. The Blue Economy focuses on preserving the health of ocean ecosystems while using ocean resources for economic growth and jobs.

The use of ocean and marine resources is expanding and so is the need for a skilled workforce. Aquaculture, coastal zoning and marine mammal observation are some of the jobs associated with marine business. But with increased digitization and advancing technologies like artificial intelligence, there is demand for jobs like cyber security, human resources and project management.
 

Finding Blue Economy jobs in B.C.

Start your search with the WorkBC Job Board to find in-demand jobs all across British Columbia.

To refine your search, use industry-specific keywords such as:

• Marine, ocean or blue
• Marine energy
  • Offshore wind
  • Tidal energy
  • Offshore natural gas
• Coastal
• Nautical
• Fishery / aquaculture

Combining these keywords with specific job titles can help you find more specialized roles. 
Job titles associated with the Blue Economy include:

• Managers in Transportation
• Biologists and related scientists
• Mechanical Engineers / engineering technicians
• Deck officers, water transport
• Steamfitters, pipefitters
• Other engineers
• Geological and mineral technologists
• Water transport deck and engine room crew
• Geoscientists and oceanographers
• Biologists
• Conservation and fishery officers
• Managers in aquaculture
• Aquaculture and marine harvest labourers

For more tips on how to successfully search for Blue Economy jobs, see WorkBC’s Job Search Tips page.
 

Blue Economy education and training in B.C.

Visit EducationPlannerBC to search for and apply to post-secondary degrees, certificates or micro-credentials. Use industry-specific key terms to narrow down your search (e.g., marine biology, oceanography, ocean management).
 

Loans, grants and training opportunities

For British Columbians 19 years or older:

• The StrongerBC future skills grant covers up to $3,500 in eligible short-term skills training at public post-secondary schools. Check out the StrongerBC future skills grant page to browse available programs. 

For students:

• WorkBC.ca Loans and Grants for Student and Adult Learners
• StudentAidBC Apply for a student loan in B.C.
• University of British Columbia Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries External Funding Opportunities
• University of Victoria School of Earth and Ocean Sciences Awards
• Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre Scholarships & Financial Aid
• Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC Scholarships
• Pacific Salmon Foundation Stewardship Community Bursary Program
• Camosun College Bridge Watch Rating Program for Indigenous people and women

For job seekers:

• Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Blue Economy 101 Toolkit – A Resource for Blue Economy Jobseekers
• Government of Canada Marine Training Program
• University of British Columbia Extended Learning Blue Economy

For organizations and employers:

• Province of British Columbia Agriculture and seafood programs
• Association of British Columbia Marine Industries Infrastructure Modernization and Expansion Grant Program
• BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund

For communities:

• Community Workforce Response Grant
• B.C. Employer Training Grant