Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
16 mins ago
EIT’s new Certificate in Cellar Operations is addressing skills shortages.
From 18 January 2021, EIT’s School of Viticulture and Wine Science will offer the new Certificate in Cellar Operations (Level 3).
This intensive one-semester programme is fees-free. It is tailored to school leavers or career changers and will provide students with skills needed for their first vintage.
After a six-week introductory period the students will engage in a commercial (and paid) vintage in collaboration with a Hawke’s Bay winery.
The new programme has received an overwhelming response from local industry. Wineries are facing a serious labour shortage due to the closed borders and are crying out for skilled workers.
“This is an incredible opportunity for people to get a taste of what it is like to work in a winery, with guaranteed employment through the busy vintage period,” says Kate Franklin from Sacred Hill. “With our borders shut, we aren’t able to recruit the international winemakers which we usually do. The government has identified this and is fully funding this collaboration between EIT and wineries to provide free training to get NCEA accreditation before vintage 2021. This great initiative provides an opportunity for people to gain experience in an incredibly rewarding industry.”
Sue Blackmore, Head of EIT’s School of Viticulture and Wine Science, highlights, “It’s a great way for our students to get work-ready and start a career in the wine industry but also to build valuable connections. The certificate is also feeding into our Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science, so there are plenty of options for our students to progress their knowledge and skills.”
