Continuing its ongoing efforts to promote the many career pathways in the grape and wine sector to the next generation, Wine Australia recently connected with students at two Adelaide high schools through two career-focused activations.
In early June, Wine Australia participated in a Career Discovery Day at Golden Grove High School, which also welcomed students from Pedare Christian College and Gleeson College. The initiative was notable in that it brough together schools that do not currently offer agriculture as a subject but are actively seeking to broaden students’ exposure to opportunities across food, fibre and wine.
To engage students who may not typically consider a future in the sector, Wine Australia’s stand highlighted the breadth of career opportunities by framing them through subjects they already enjoy, such as chemistry and business.
Students could take part in a series of interactive activities designed to bring wine science to life, such as:
- measuring fermentation using hydrometers and volumetric flasks to understand specific gravity
- using refractometers to assess grape sugar levels
- exploring aroma through key volatile compounds
- examining microbiology concepts relating to yeast and bacteria
- engaging with Wine Australia resources and post-school study pathways, including options at Adelaide University
Adelaide University wine science students Jesslyn Collins and Isis Naisbitt volunteered their time to join Wine Australia’s senior program manager Jo Hargreaves on the stand.
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Jo Hargreaves with Michelle Li and Jesslyn Collins at Scotch College
Later in June, Wine Australia also participated in a careers expo at Scotch College, engaging with more than 120 students from Years 6-12 and their families. Held during National Careers Week under the theme Community – Connect – Thrive, the event focused on building meaningful connections between students and industry.
Scotch College provides a strong foundation in this space with its on-site vineyard, farm and winemaking facility supporting agriculture science students from Years 8-12.
Wine Australia’s participation at the careers expo was again supported by Jesslyn Collins who was joined by Michelle Li, winemaker with Knappstein Wines in the Clare Valley and an SA State Rootlings champion.