PYDA Wine Programme Class of 2023. Photos in sidebar: The 7 students who passed the WSET exam with distinction.
Stellenbosch-based Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA) has announced their best-ever results in the internationally-recognised Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 Award in Wines exams, recently undertaken by 50 of their wine programme students.
The PYDA’s year-long programme develops talented young people from under-resourced areas, helping them gain employment and meaningful economic opportunities mainly within the wine industry and other demand-led sectors. Founded in 2012, the PYDA’s programme combines personal development, work practicals, and technical skills including completion of the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines.
The UK-based WSET is the world’s largest wine and spirit education authority and its qualifications are accepted as the industry-standard in more than 70 countries. The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines has been an integral part of the PYDA’s curriculum for nearly 10 years and is funded by the International Wine Challenge (IWC), the world’s most rigorous, impartial and influential wine competition and by the WSET themselves.
Taught by local, highly-qualified wine educators, the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines includes tastings of more than 30 international wines giving the PYDA students a wide-ranging overview of all the world’s major wine-producing regions and styles.
This year’s class of 50 students has achieved the best results ever with 47 out of 50 (94%) of them passing the exam, 7 of them with distinction (a mark of 85%+) and 23 of them with merit (a mark of 70%+). Given the global recognition of WSET qualifications, this is of immense value in terms of enhancing the students’ job prospects both locally and internationally.
As PYDA programme lead, Emmalene Ravell, says: "I am truly excited about the opportunity our students have to pursue the WSET Level 2 course, as it distinguishes them right from the start of their careers when applying in the wine industry. Witnessing their dedication and commitment to seizing this opportunity fills me with immense pride. The outstanding results achieved this year have set a new benchmark, reflecting both the exceptional abilities of our students and the quality of our programme. I am confident that these achievements will propel them towards great success in their future endeavours."
Cathy Marston, owner of the International Wine Education Centre (IWEC) which facilitated the WSET training, agrees: “It’s clear that there is no lack of intelligence, determination and drive amongst this group of young people. All they needed was a chance to show what they could do and we’re incredibly grateful to the IWC and the WSET for giving them this life-changing opportunity.”
Andrew Reed, managing director of the IWC, says: “We are delighted with the success of the PYDA students this year. It is a brilliant scheme, which is targeted at supporting those in need to develop a career in the wine trade, by assisting them to gain internationally recognised WSET qualifications.”
80% of last year’s students are now in full-time permanent employment and it is hoped that when the current intake graduate next month, they will achieve equal or even greater success in finding meaningful and exciting careers.
Previous PYDA graduates are now working in a range of different roles including touring the world whilst working on cruise ships, being sommeliers in Dubai and welcoming visitors to tasting rooms across South Africa in their roles as wine advisors. Over the years, several graduates have risen to tasting room management level and continue to develop their careers to even greater heights.
For further information, please contact Nomonde Kubheka, curriculum and media lead at PYDA, on 072 816 8845 or nomonde@pyda.co.za. For information on the IWEC, get in touch with Cathy Marston DipWSET on 072 390 9166 or cathy@thewinecentre.co.za.