Winery owners in the Illawarra have backed moves by TAFE NSW to serve up a winemaking diploma statewide for the first time.
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Crooked River Wines general manager Joseph Felice welcomed any support from the NSW Government to assist those wanting to expand their knowledge in the art of wine making.
Mr Felice, whose family-owned and operated winery in Gerringong has won multiple awards for its premium red and white wines since establishing in 1998, said he was happy TAFE NSW was offering its Diploma of Viticulture right across NSW for the first time.
The course aims to train the state's next crop of aspiring winemakers and vineyard managers for the $1.6 billion industry.
Students can now enrol for the Diploma of Viticulture starting in late April, following a successful pilot delivered virtually across the state late last year.
Previously only delivered face-to-face at Kurri Kurri, the Diploma provides training in the operation and management of grape production and winemaking - skills that are in high demand across the sector.
The wine industry currently contributes billions to the NSW economy each year and is a significant employer in regional NSW as well as being a major driver of the state's $38 billion tourism sector.
"The wine industry not only in NSW, but the entire country plays such a significant role in people's everyday lives, and I would like to add to this that Australia produces some of the best wines in the world," Mr Felice said.
"That being said, this initiative will only strengthen our industry for years to come.
"I know that Crooked River Wines will encourage those willing to participate in this brilliant incentive."
NSW Wine Industry Association executive officer Angus Barnes, also a student in the pilot Diploma, said delivery of the course via virtual learning was a game-changer for the NSW wine industry.
"This is welcome news for wine grape growers and wine producers right across the state," Mr Barnes said.
"TAFE NSW is the only registered training organisation offering this qualification. Providing the opportunity for people to access this training from anywhere in NSW means distance is no longer a barrier for those who want to make their mark in the industry."
TAFE NSW agribusiness team leader Craig Conway said as part of the new state-wide model, students learn together in a virtual classroom and undertake assessments in blocks at Kurri Kurri or at vineyards nearest to where a group of six or more students are located.
"We have purchased new equipment for our headquarters in Kurri Kurri - to make the virtual winemaking process more engaging," he said.
Places are limited for the next Diploma of Viticulture which begins on April 26. Visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601 for more details.
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
