One hundred and forty-five hours of practicum placement at vineyards are supplemented by 267 hours of classroom instruction. We've seen many of our graduates get work and the demand for skilled workers in this field is growing. They'll also learn vineyard management, including human resources and financial management, vineyard equipment operation and maintenance, and safety.
Several courses make up the four-month learning experience.
Beyond just getting an education in viticulture and wine-making, students completing the program also get their pesticide application certificate, and their WCB Occupational First Aid Level 1. Practicality is the whole point of this program. We want to give people the ingredients they need to find work in the industry. The program is directed primarily at people who are unemployed, but it's also open to other adults, says Boyd. That means that a year from now, if a graduate of this certificate program wants to go on toward getting a degree, he or she doesn't have to start from square one.