Victoria Parsons is spending her summer providing vital information to Niagara’s vineyards — and getting paid for her efforts.

The Brock University Certificate in Grape and Wine Technology (OEVC) student is leveraging an opportunity offered through the program’s Integrated Pest Management course that will see her monitor local vineyards for pests and fungal or viral stressors.

The project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative and Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada’s (CEWIL) Innovation Hub (iHUB). The support is specifically aligned with post-secondary credit projects that connect students with industry.

Parsons is one of nine students who will head into the field to monitor Niagara vineyards, collect samples and report their findings back to the grape growers.

The work comes at no cost to businesses, removing financial barriers for vineyard owners, and student compensation adds a level of professionalism and ownership outside of the classroom, says Brock Experiential Education Co-ordinator Jason Causarano.

“Students will be paid through this grant to complete their coursework as if they were employees of the vineyard,” he says. “This valuable industry experience enhances course materials, providing a practical element to class projects that will benefit students in their future careers.”

The funding — which also supports the Applied Grape and Wine Science program’s (OEVI) fall Grapevine Biology course materials and administrative work — can total up to $60,000 based on student enrolment.

“Not many students have an opportunity like this,” says Parsons, who also holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of British Columba.

“I know from experience that going out and looking for a job can be a full-time job on its own,” she says. “For a student to have this opportunity to work, get paid and learn at the same time takes away that extra stress.”

By removing barriers for all stakeholders, the program is designed to increase the number of work integrated learning (WIL) opportunities across Canada.

Brock students visited Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery in St. Catharines during an on-site session of Brock’s Integrated Pest Management course.

“CEWIL Canada is pleased to support innovative WIL experiences at Brock University where students have been able to receive financial support and recognition for their WIL experience,” says CEWIL Canada Executive Director Charlene Marion.

“Funds such as these aim to eliminate barriers to WIL and increase access for all post-secondary students.”

Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario Patty Hajdu agrees.

“When we invest in our youth, we invest in the future of our country. This starts with breaking down financial barriers and unlocking new work opportunities for students,” she says.

“Through the Innovative Work-Integrated Learning (I-WIL) Initiative, Brock University is connecting students with industries to provide them with meaningful work experience and opportunities to support their bright future,” she adds.

Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines,  says the federal investment “helps ensure students are equipped with hands-on experience in Niagara’s signature industries.”

“Brock’s close collaboration with local vineyards not only supports student access but also strengthens the long-term sustainability of our regions grape and wine sector,” he says.

From an industry standpoint, the work students will be completing is essential, says Liam Reeves, Vineyard Manager at Stratus Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

“Having students come out and get samples and run them is a good way for us to get an idea of what is out there,” he says. “I can look at a vine and tell you something is wrong with this vine, but unless I am paying to have tests done, in many cases it is very hard for us to determine what is actually going on.”

While the Integrated Pest Management and Grapevine Biology courses have been selected to receive funds, nearly all courses in Brock’s OEVI program have an industry connection, says Professor of Biological Studies and Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute Director Debbie Inglis.

The funding boost, she says, supports the long-standing close relationship Brock has built with the grape and wine industry, further strengthening those ties and enhancing hands-on learning experiences for students along the way.

“Our program has graded coursework opportunities woven throughout that allow students to conduct work alongside industry and build those critical career connections,” Inglis says. “It’s this unmatched industry connection that sets our OEVI program apart from all others.

“We are grateful to be selected to receive such strong support from the federal government and CEWIL for our students and industry partners.”