Wine Australia has unveiled a new website, Careers in Viticulture and Wine, designed to integrate pathways to careers in the wine industry with Australia’s education curriculum.
The website provides students with age-appropriate information and career advice in the wine industry. It also offers teaching resources aligned with the national school curriculum and various activities connecting key school subjects to the wine sector’s production and operations.
Wine Australia Chief Executive Officer Dr. Martin Cole explained that this initiative was developed in response to feedback from the grape and wine sector.
“From sustainability to creativity, investigation to innovation – there are careers across the length and breadth of the sector that support the interests, values, and aspirations of our youth,” Dr. Cole said.
“Our goal is to inspire the next generation by demonstrating the breadth of – and pathways to – careers across the wine sector value chain. We aimed to bridge the gap between awareness, curriculum-aligned education, and career exploration.”
The website also enables those in the grape and wine sector to connect with local and regional schools. It provides budding viticulturists, winemakers, innovators, agtech specialists, marketers, cellar door managers, and others with opportunities to engage with experts in the field. The site includes a virtual tour, already tested by Year 12 students, allowing them to explore career options and match careers with their skills and strengths.
Dr. Cole added, “Teachers expressed a need for activities connecting lessons to real-world scenarios. It has been rewarding to work with education experts to develop an extensive range of resources for teachers and schools, all accessible from one site.”
Nuriootpa High School in the Barossa is featured on Careers in Viticulture and Wine, highlighting the school’s hands-on wine program that links practical skills and experience to career opportunities.
Milly Hoffmann, Agriculture Coordinator for the Wine Education Manager at Nuriootpa High School, expressed excitement about showcasing the school’s ‘Vines and Wines Program’ and its connection to careers in the wine sector.
“We couldn’t run our wine program without the industry’s support – from the donation of fruit, yeast, dry ice, and testing,” Hoffman said. “It can be challenging, but it is a rewarding program to run, and I strongly believe it is the future of the wine industry in our area.
“Our ‘Vines and Wines Program’ offers invaluable hands-on experience in viticulture and winemaking. It serves as a vital stepping stone for students, opening doors to apprenticeships and careers in the wine industry. This program is essential for all students, especially those new to the field, providing an enriching educational opportunity.”
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