Wine Australia has launched a new asset for the classroom, a website that provides a real-world connection from the vineyard and winery to Australia’s education curriculum.
Careers in viticulture and wine is a purpose-built site created by the Australian wine industry’s statutory organisation. The website aims to provide age-appropriate information, aligned with the national school curriculum, on the range of pathways and careers in the wine industry.
The range of resources and activities that connect key school subjects with areas of the sector’s production and operations also includes a connection from the industry to schools. This will provide budding viticulturists, winemakers, innovators, agtech specialists, marketers, cellar door managers and more with a hands-on opportunity to hear directly from those with grape and wine sector expertise.
Wine Australia chief executive officer, Dr Martin Cole, said that the resource was developed as a direct 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,” said Cole.
“We are aiming to inspire the next generation by demonstrating the breadth of – and the pathways to – careers across the wine sector value chain. We sought to develop a solution alongside education experts that would bridge the gap between awareness, curriculum aligned education and exploration of careers.”
“Teachers expressed a need for activities connecting lessons to real-world scenarios and it has been rewarding to work with education experts to develop the extensive range of resources for teachers and schools, which are now hosted in the one site for easy access,” he said.
The site provides a virtual tour to explore different careers, with students able to identify their ideal pathway through matching their values, aspirations and strengths to a career.
The site was tested using school students, with Nuriootpa High School in the Barossa featured on Careers in Viticulture and Wine. The site showcases the school’s hands-on wine program and its connection to practical skills and experience for students.
Nuriootpa High School agriculture coordinator for the wine education manager, Milly Hoffmann, said that it was an exciting opportunity to showcase the school’s Vine and Wines Program, and its connection to careers in the sector.
“We couldn't provide our wine program without the support of the industry – from the donation of fruit, donation of yeast, dry ice, and testing. 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,” she said.
“Our 'Vines and Wines Program' at Nuriootpa High School 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.”
