September 21, 2013 - 1:35 PM
PENTICTON - The bustling wine making and grape growing industries are opening career opportunities in a wide range of occupations throughout the Okanagan region. Join viticulture and wine studies instructors and former viticulture program students on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. at Okanagan College’s Penticton campus to learn about educational options that can lead to careers in the wine industry.
Instructors will be on hand to give an overview of the College’s three viticulture and wine studies programs and program graduates will discuss their various career paths, which include positions in wine sales and marketing, creation of award-winning premium wines, and establishment of wineries and vineyards.
“Okanagan College viticulture and wine programs connect learners with what's really happening in the wine industry,” said program administrator Danielle Robinson. “Our programs are taught by experienced professionals, and include fieldtrips, guest speakers, vineyard or winery work experience placement and sensory wine tasting.”
Jane Campardo of Summerland is taking her passion for food and quality wine along with her business background in a new direction after graduating from both the Wine Sales and the Viticulture certificate programs.
“The combination of opportunities for growth in research, products and services that are opening up in the wine industry and the blend of theory and hands-on learning in the program were the biggest draw for me,” said Campardo.
“The College’s programs are reputable and well-recognized by employers and are taught by instructors who have a wealth of industry experience. We learned through a mix of theory and practical work with hands-on demonstrations and plenty of on-site work. It was the best way for me to learn.”
Eventually, Campardo’s dream is to own a winery and do consulting work overseas. She feels prepared to achieve that dream, having finished the programs with both a business plan and an operations plan.
For more information about the free session, which takes place in room PC204, call 250-492-4305 ext. 3206.
News from © iNFOnews, 2013