Twenty-one graduates of the Pinotage Youth Development Academy have crowned their successful year at the Academy with an internationally-recognised certificate from the UK-based Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). They completed the Level 2 course which gives them an excellent grounding in international wines and wine styles and will hopefully increase their employability in the near future.
The PYDA’s WSET Level 2 course was sponsored by the AfriAsia Cape Wine Auction Trust and the training was carried out by Cathy Marston DipWSET of the International Wine Education Centre (IWEC). The students spent time learning about how wines are made, how to taste wines professionally, which wine styles come from the world’s best-known wine regions as well as modules on sparkling, sweet, fortified wines and spirits. Lecturing was done by Cathy with the support of WSET-graduate and PYDA lecturer, Nomonde Khubeka.
According the PYDA’s principal, Nikki Munro, although the students were well-trained in SA wines, a technical area which previous graduates felt would add to their skills set was knowledge of wines around the world. She says “A WSET course has enabled them to gain this knowledge and expertise during their programme which will enhance their employability. Given its global appeal and value it adds to their solid foundation as they launch their careers.”
Siobhan Thompson, head of WOSA and a trustee of the Cape Wine Auction Trust commented on behalf of the board of trustees “This project was the right fit for the Cape Wine Auction Trust philanthropy model. This model looks at education in the winelands holistically; supporting it as a process from cradle to career. Giving the Pinotage Youth Development Academy graduates the internationally-accredited Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) wine course does more than simply broaden their knowledge of international wines. It also gives them the accreditation and confidence to seek employment at high-end establishments both locally and abroad.”
Of the 21 students who successfully passed the course, there were 6 students who passed with Merit (achieving 75%) and one student, Sandiswe Mpateni, who passed with Distinction achieving an incredible 88%. The IWEC congratulates her and all the other students and hopes that this qualification will open doors for them in their future careers and help them to reach their full potential within the worlds of wine and hospitality.
For more information, contact Cathy Marston on cathy@thewinecentre.co.za