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Okanagan College is launching a two-year pilot project offering a viticulture technician program, with the support of the BC government.
The province is providing $628,000 to support a two-year pilot project for the program, developed in partnership with the BC Wine Grape Council.
“Having experts from our industry helps shape the curriculum, and the program itself will mean that students are well prepared for important roles in our vineyards and businesses when they complete the diploma,” said Lynn Bremmer, chair of the BC Wine Grape Council.
“Just as viticulture and wine-making have progressed and matured in recent years in BC, so too is the education and training that is available here. Government support and the college’s efforts are truly appreciated.”
The pilot project will see 20 students begin their studies this fall toward the two-year viticulture technician diploma.
The diploma is designed to provide hands-on, theoretical and practical knowledge that will allow students to eventually work as part of a vineyard management team. The program is structured around the viticulture growing season, providing opportunities to develop and apply skills like canopy management, pest control, pruning, training vines and sensory evaluation, as well as occupational health and safety.
The diploma was supported through the Sector Labour Market Partnerships (LMP) Program, which helps to ensure that training and education programs in B.C. are aligned with industry’s labour-market needs and priorities.
For the BC government the move is meant to support growth of an already large driver for employment and economic growth. Figures from the Ministry of Agriculture show that:
• The B.C. wine industry’s $2.8 billion economic impact is a significant driver of the province’s economy.
• More than 12,000 people throughout the province have jobs as a result of the wine industry.
• B.C. wineries welcome over one million visitors a year, generating over $476 million in tourism-related economic impact.
