The Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA), founded in 2012, is slowly but surely infiltrating the winelands and hospitality industry with their well-trained, articulate, passionate and energetic graduates who are making a huge difference in South Africa.
We at wine.co.za are very proud to have one of the 2017 graduates, Yoliswa Masekwana, as an integral part of our team, and just appointed one of the imminent 2018 graduates, Jamie-Lee Appolis to join our Content Team after she graduates this Friday 16th Nov at The Shed.
If you are feeling a little tired and despondent about South Africa and want to see real transformation in action, then we have a treat in store for you - block our your Friday afternoon from 2pm.
The PYDA Graduation ceremony is open to all and I urge ALL wineries and hospitality businesses to come and experience the pure passion and dedication in these young people. The ceremony is one of the most inspiring events of the year - and also the best collection of very high heels you have ever seen - so don't miss it!
The application process for PYDA's Wine and Tourism 12-month programme is very stringent and as a result their students are committed and by the end of the course, they are well informed and super enthusiastic about taking on the world. The programme covers the entire value chain of the wine industry, including wine knowledge, tourism, and other related sectors. The qualifications for this programme include a University of Stellenbosch short course at NQF Level 5 and a Tour Guide WSET Level 2 qualification, as well as work-preparedness, practical work during their work placements (2 months during the year), life coaching, diversity training, food and wine pairing and much much more.
The students were spotted throughout the winelands during their work placements; at wine.co.za; Kanonkop, Simonsig, Blaauwklippen, Neethlingshof, Marianne and Durbanville Hills.
Many of their graduates are already making waves at many wineries and restaurants and you can be sure that this next set will be hot on their heels.
If you are keen to see which youth are going to be making a difference in the Wine Industry, then join us on Friday 16th Nov at 2pm at The Shed, Santa Road (off Annandale Road, next to the Stellenbosch Waldorf School and on the back of the Spier farm)
I am sure you will be keen to employ them in your organisations and I am glad we already have our appointment done and dusted!
Please let info@pyda.co.za know if you would like to attend.
For more info - please visit www.pyda.co.za - or see our wine.co.za Spotlight Page, as we are a proud media partner of the PYDA.
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