GOTAFE is the only TAFE in Victoria offering diplomas in viticulture and wine technology and both are delivered part-time and mostly online.
Wine courses co-ordinator Paula Pipan said the flexible learning environment allowed students to develop their theoretical knowledge and participate in hands-on practical workshops using modern industry equipment.
“Students can study online and then come in for residential schools where we have all of them in the same room working together, working on experiments, working on wine tastings and really putting into practice some of the theory that they’ve learnt,” Ms Pipan said.
Wendy Killeen, managing director and brand ambassador at Stanton and Killeen Wines in Rutherglen, appreciates the importance of understanding the industry and the knowledge behind making great wine.
“Classroom study, along with on-site training, is an excellent way to learn,” Ms Killeen said.
“There is a shortage of qualified and committed people in the employment pool in the wine industry across the north-east of Victoria.”
GOTAFE student Glen Pollard decided to enrol in the Diploma of Wine Technology after he bought a hobby vineyard on the outskirts of Melbourne.
He said he wanted to expand his knowledge and learn to properly look after his vineyard.
“Although the course is mostly theory, I’m putting all the theory into practice,” Mr Pollard said.
“All the trainers are in the industry, so they have real-world life experience. You get real experts.”
Mr Pollard works full-time, devoting his spare time to his winemaking hobby.
“Because of the flexibility of the course, I’m able to work around everything else I’ve got to make my study fit,” he said.
Students undertaking the Diploma of Wine Technology learn essential competencies in winemaking, including understanding the relationship between vineyard operation and overall wine quality, testing processes for wine quality and how to operate and maintain winemaking equipment.
Students also learn to manage operations in a commercial winery, supervise staff, implement OH&S guidelines and ensure the sustainability of the enterprise.
The next intake for the Diploma of Wine Technology starts on Thursday, September 1.
Apply via www.gotafe.vic.edu.au or phone 1300 GOTAFE (468 233).
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