The Academy is the realization of the dream to
develop young, talented South Africans for employment in the wine industry and
related sectors. It will impact directly
on the high levels of youth unemployment, and is unique in that it integrates
work-readiness and technical skills with the personal development essential for
success.
The customised programme is based on an extensive
research and consultation process. The pilot
programme will run over 12 months from June 2013 until end May 2014 and will
follow this pattern each year as it is specifically designed to follow the
production cycle of the vine. On
successful completion of the year, students will receive a formal qualification
endorsed by Winetech (the body responsible for coordinating
research, training and technology transfer in the Wine industry).
The Academy is located in Stellenbosch and for the first
year has students from Stellenbosch and Paarl/Wellington. Students are 18 to 25
years old, have passed Grade 12, and have come through a stringent selection
process. Most importantly, they each demonstrate the “spark” and talent essential for success. Learning is
experiential and combines practical work placements and classroom work.
Students recently completed their first work placements pruning on farms in the
winelands.
“These talented students are destined to be a
new generation of professionals”, says Programme Director, Nikki Munro. “They will be highly regarded at work with
the skills and mindset necessary to add value in the wine sector.” “Our
success,“ she adds, “will be measured by their employment in the wine industry,
as well as their ability to know their talents and apply them for change in
South Africa.”
The launch was attended by key industry stakeholders
and partners, educationalists and supporters, as well as government
representatives. The Academy is
supported by its Patrons, including Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Jan
Boland Coetzee and Reuben Riffel, as well as its Advisory Board members.
Attendees had the opportunity to be hosted by the
students and two students spoke of their experiences of the programme so far.
The Academy’s programme is aimed initially at the wine
industry, recognising its important contribution to the South African economy
and its significance in terms of employment in the Western Cape specifically. It fits well within the context of Government’s commitment towards job
creation in the agricultural sector, as well as its focus on further education
and training.
The programme is set to roll out to other geographical
areas next year. The aim is to expand
into other agricultural sectors and industries over time.
Issued by: Nikki Munro - Programme Director
For further information please contact at nikkimunro@pyda.co.za or 0836455995
www.pyda.co.za