The NSW Government is investing in the future of the largest wine producing region in NSW, by re-introducing critical laboratory operations courses at TAFE NSW Griffith.
A Certificate III in Laboratory Skills and a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques are now being offered at TAFE NSW Griffith after a 10-year hiatus, while a Diploma of Laboratory Technology will be offered for the first time in 2025.
Griffith is at the heart of New South Wales' largest producing wine region, responsible for about 60 per cent of the state's total grape crush.
Laboratory operations courses provide technical skills wine makers need to accurately measure, test and report on wine properties, critical components of the complex wine making process.
The re-introduction of the courses follows extensive consultation with the local wine industry and demonstrates how TAFE NSW is meeting the skills needs of local industries and communities.
TAFE NSW Griffith also offers a Certificate III in Wine Industry Operations, and a laboratory skills course will be offered to local high school students in 2025, giving them a running start into the industry.
Former laboratory manager and winemaker at Casella Wines, Nichole Clarke, has joined TAFE NSW to teach the courses, utilising her strong industry knowledge and connections to give learners the job-ready skills and experience to gain employment.
An industry-standard laboratory is located at TAFE NSW Griffith, including a microbiology room and a chemical preparation room.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:
"My previous roles as Minister for Primary Industries, CEO of the National Irrigators' Council and director of Murrumbidgee Irrigation in Griffith have given me insight into the critical importance of the wine industry to the Riverina economy.
"Like many industries, wineries in Griffith are struggling to attract and retain qualified staff and these courses at TAFE NSW Griffith will ensure a pipeline of qualified laboratory technicians, ready to enter the workforce and meet industry demand.
"This is yet another example of how the NSW Government is rebuilding TAFE NSW and supporting the industries and communities it serves."
De Bortoli Wines Human Resource Manager, Paul Foley said:
"Our business is most pleased to see the re-establishment of accredited laboratory operations courses at TAFE NSW Griffith.
"The absence of suitable technical training for our laboratory staff has been a major concern for our business over the past few years.
"With the availability of these programs on our doorstep, we are in a far better position to expand the technical depth and breadth of capability within our workforce, the broader industry and the local community.
"We look forward to our staff engaging in these programs to assist us in meeting the ever growing technical, compliance and reporting challenges in the wine industry."
