Our newest student cohorts have just started, with the winemakers, vineyard managers, and wine business leaders of the future stepping through our doors for the first time.
This year we have plenty in store for new and returning students. We’ll kick off the Semester with our Harvest Party, for all the students and staff. This popular event has been growing each year, and Dr Akshay Baboo is quite the master BBQer.
Anyone who has been a student or attended a course will know learning isn’t just about acquiring knowledge. It’s about the social aspect, the links to industry, the community engagement, and the extras. We love putting together a programme of guest speakers, trips, and enrichment for the students, and they have quite the array this upcoming academic year.
Our free weekly French lessons will be continuing, to help students learn a new skill – a very valuable one in our industry – as well as socialising. Wine Production student Campbell spoke to us at the end of last semester: “When I started the year, I barely spoke three words in French. Now I’m planning a Spring trip to the Loire! Liz is an excellent tutor and we always have fun”. Students will be using their French for college trips (watch this space) as well as for their personal and professional futures.
One student keen to spend time working in France is Moses, who used the French lessons as an opportunity to write a presentation on the Jura, bring in a bottle (we supplied the cheese) and tell us all about it. We know these sessions build confidence and friendships as well as skills.
Thinking about advancing your career and personal development? Visit www.plumpton.ac.uk/wine to explore our range of CPD specialised short courses, WSET courses, degree courses, and more in wine production, viticulture, oenology, and wine business. Courses include essential new skills, from lab analysis to digital communication. As the harvest season comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect and plan for the year ahead.
Staff spotlight
Sarah Midgley, Programme Manager Viticulture Apprenticeships
Sarah has been working at Plumpton College since 2014, originally as the college Winemaker and Winery Instructor, in 2023 she took over as programme manager for Viticulture Apprenticeships. She enjoys coaching and supporting our apprentices who are working in vineyards all over the country and attend college on block release for teaching. The most satisfying part of the job is getting to form and strengthen relationships with industry and going out and about to visit vineyards all over the UK. Head over to www.plumpton.ac.uk/apprenticeships to learn more about our Vineyard Crop Technician Apprenticeship programme.
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