In the dynamic world of beverages, retaining skilled staff is crucial for business success. This program combines practical skills, industry insights, and career development to empower both newcomers and seasoned professionals. Whether you’re pouring your first glass or furthering your industry knowledge and enhancing your career this accelerated course ensures you thrive in the South Okanagan’s beverage community.

Program Details

Program Schedule:

Training Program: April 8 to April 19, 2024, Monday to Friday, in-person plus onsite field visits to participating South Okanagan industry businesses
Industry Mentorship: 4 hours of group and 1:1 mentorship with an industry professional

Location: District Wine Village, Okanagan College Penticton Campus, and the BCBTAC’s Sensory Learning Center

Cost: Fully funded, tuition is covered for participants, and program supports are available based on eligibility. All meals and field visit transportation are provided during class days. Reimbursements are available for childcare, travel, and accommodation (based on individual needs)

Application Deadline: April 3, 2024

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Program Overview

The Beverage Industry Training Program provides participants with fully funded training for various roles in the Beverage Industry and is intended for new hires in wineries, breweries, distilleries, and cideries, as well as existing Beverage Industry professionals in the South Okanagan. This program will provide participants with the skills to:

Grasp essential information about the South Okanagan’s beverage industry, including production methods and regional context

Apply acquired knowledge to solve real-world challenges in winemaking, brewing, or distillation
Learn how to manage beverage-related projects effectively
Make connections between production, marketing, and sustainability practices
Cultivate an appreciation for the beverage industry, its impact, and its role in local culture
Understand the importance of sustainable practices for long-term success
Improve learning skills and become self-directed learners

Program Content

This fully funded program includes 8 modules of focused, critical entry-level training for the Beverage Sector and includes training in:

Local Context and Culture
Customer Service Excellence
Beverage Sensory Training
Business Systems Basics
Teamwork and Collaboration
Storytelling
Challenges and Adaptability
No previous experience in the industry is required, this training program will equip participants with essential training to prepare them for the growing craft beverage sector.

Participants will have the opportunity to complete the following OH&S & Industry certificates (if required):

Foodsafe
Serving it Right
Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) Certification
Foundations of Workplace Safety for New and Young Workers
Emergency First Aid
Option of one Beverage Industry Certificate dependent on sector focus (wine, spirits, beer, or ciders)

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Applicant Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Live in the South Okanagan region of British Columbia (which includes Summerland, Naramata, Penticton, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos, Keremeos, Cawston, and Rock Creek)
Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person legally able to work in Canada. (Post-Graduation Work Permit, Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and other temporary work visa holders are not eligible)
Over 19 years of age.
Grade 10 English or equivalent.

Indigenous peoples, 2SLBGTQI+, persons with disabilities, and workers 55+ are all encouraged to apply.

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Program Delivery

The Beverage Industry Training Program is delivered by Okanagan College Penticton Campus in Partnership with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)