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NZ Certificate in Cellar Operations (Level 3)
Are you interested in a pathway into the wine industry?
Do you want a taste of what it’s like to work in a winery?
The NZ Certificate in Cellar Operations [Level 3] is an intensive programme covering the basics of winemaking and finishing procedures during a winery harvest, and working in a cellar team. The integrated practical work is run in tandem with Hawke’s Bay wineries. This course includes a paid cellar vintage.
This course is suitable for those with no previous experience or winery workers with some experience but no formal qualifications in the cellar operations area. Final entry by interviews with EIT and industry held in late November.
To find out more contact Jo Rolfe, Programme Administrator, jrolfe@eit.ac.nz or phone 06 830 1913
* You must be 18 years of age or over on the 1st February of the year you begin this programme. If you are under 18, you may be
provisionally accepted into the programme but will be restricted in the courses in which you can enrol before you turn 18 years of age.
Outline
The NZ Certificate in Cellar Operations [Level 3] is an intensive programme covering the basics of winemaking and finishing procedures during a winery harvest, and working in a cellar team. The integrated practical work is run in tandem with Hawke’s Bay wineries.
The courses are suitable for those with no previous experience or winery workers with some experience but no formal qualifications in the cellar operations area.
The NZ Certificate in Cellar Operations [Level 3] will give you the introductory skills needed to start your first vintage in a cellar. You could then progress onto related higher education programmes.
Upon graduating you will be able to:
- Work as an entry level cellar operator in commercial wine cellar operations.
- Utilise practical knowledge of processes involved with commercial wine cellar operations plus current health and safety information.
- Utilise a range of team cellar operations applying correct protocols and safety measures.
Successful entry into the course will be by application and interview.
Career and Study Opportunities
Graduates who wish to pursue an academic pathway could transition onto either the Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science or the NZ Certificate in Horticulture Production (Winegrowing strand) [Level 4] in July 2025, subject to meeting entry requirements.
Possible job opportunities may include working full-time in a winery as a cellar hand.
Dates
There is one entry date per year:
- January
Industry-based Training
Learners are required to participate in practical work associated with a winery. The entry interview will involve representatives of the Hawke’s Bay wine industry. During harvest (March- April) successful applicants will complete a paid vintage of at least six weeks in a commercial winery.
Workload
On campus classes are usually scheduled between 8.00am-5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
Each course in this programme requires individual study time outside of classroom hours.
Practical vintage work could involve shift work of up to 12 hours per day in a commercial winery.
Entry
Entry Requirements
English Language Entry Requirements
Entry with Credit
Facilities
The facilities comprise of an on-site winery complex and vineyard. Adjacent to the winery are modern classrooms and teaching laboratories allowing the ready integration of theoretical and practical aspects of winemaking and vineyard management.
You will also go out to a commercial winery to complete learning practical requirements.
Courses within the Programme
|
|
Compulsory Courses – Brief Description |
No. of Credits |
NZQA Level |
Semester offered |
|
CCO3.01 |
Wine and the Wine Industry Introduction to the NZ Wine industry and the principles of working effectively in a cellar team. |
10 |
3 |
1 |
|
CCO3.02 |
Wine Processing Outline red and white winemaking processes and the safe use of the equipment required. |
20 |
3 |
1 |
|
CCO3.03 |
Cellar Operations Completion of a range of team cellar operations applying correct protocols and safety measures. |
20 |
3 |
1 |
|
CCO3.04 |
Wine Management Post-Fermentation Introduce the stages of finishing a wine following correct protocols and safety procedures. |
10 |
3 |
1 |
Academic Learning Services
Academic Learning Services is here to assist you on your journey towards the successful completion of your studies at EIT. Our aim is for you to become confident, competent and independent learners.
We have dedicated advisors who can assist with your learning.
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Scholarships
EIT offers a variety of scholarships across various subjects and programme levels. Some scholarships are based on your age, some are specific to the subject you want to study. Not all scholarships are based on your academic ability and anyone wanting to study should investigate what scholarships are available to them.
You can find a list of EIT scholarships here however there are many more scholarships offered nationally. Information about these is on an database called “givME”. givME is accessible at EIT or at some public libraries. If you would like to come to EIT to look through the giveME database don’t hesitate to contact scholarships@eit.ac.nz or call in for a chat.