Career opportunities will increase as you build your skills in vineyard operations and viticulture, you’ll be well positioned to take advantage of growing employment opportunities across the sector. Roles may be seasonal, fixed term, or permanent, with pathways into positions such as vineyard operator, machinery operator, contractor, leading hand, and vineyard supervisor.

This programme can be a first step into the wine industry.

If you decide you want to keep learning, you can continue your studies with the NZ Certificate in Horticulture Production (Wine Growing) (Level 4)(external link), with further study options available in viticulture and winemaking.

This is more than classroom learning. Workplace experience is built into the programme, giving you the opportunity to see how a vineyard operates and develop your skills in a real working environment.

After your initial learning at NMIT and field trips, you’ll spend time in the workplace alongside your on-campus study. Your tutors will continue to support you as you put your learning into practice.

Finding your work placement

You will be required to identify hazards, describe safety procedures, and demonstrate the ability to work safely across various tasks and situations. There are 120 hours of workplace hours embedded in the programme where you develop and demonstrate practical skills related to vineyard tasks and processes while adhering to workplace standards.

You’ll need to arrange a suitable workplace where you can complete these hours. This is your responsibility, but you won’t be left to figure it out alone. NMIT can help you with the process of finding and arranging your placement.

This programme is scheduled over 12 weeks including classroom study, practical work and vineyard internship.

Classes will be held on Wednesday and Thursdays.

Scheduled two-week break (mid-year) at the beginning of July.

If you’re curious about vineyard work but aren’t yet sure where it could take you, this programme gives you a practical introduction to the industry.

You’ll experience both learning and the workplace, helping you make a more informed decision about your next step.

This programme has no academic or English language requirements.

Physical requirements

Applicants must be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes.

Please note that vineyards and vineyard contractors have drug and alcohol restriction requirements.