Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) is launching a host of new micro-credential offerings targeted at boosting the skills and knowledge of those working in the wine and cider industry.
Micro-credentials, which are short courses designed to cultivate and verify a particular skill set desirable to employers, help participants to bridge pre-existing skills and knowledge in order to meet rapidly changing labour market demands.
In alignment with the Institute’s mission to provide continuing education and professional development opportunities to industry, successful completion of a micro-credential at CCOVI serves as a verification of the corresponding skills for employers. In addition to the credentials boasting the authority of Canada’s foremost institute dedicated to grape and wine research, education and outreach, the training programs are also subject to Brock University’s quality assurance processes and are approved by Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
With the introduction of the new micro-credentials, CCOVI is offering professionals the opportunity to upskill in advanced wine and cider production, wine marketing and the wine and spirits qualifications of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET).
“We are excited to be launching these new micro-credentials, which are designed to provide targeted training and certification to wine and cider professionals,” said CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis. “These courses are a valuable resource for anyone looking to expand their skillset and advance their career in the industry.”
The new micro-credentials cover a range of topics related to the wine and cider industries, including sensory evaluation, lab skills and brand storytelling. The WSET qualifications cover a broad range of wine and spirits knowledge, from beginner to advanced levels.
“This is an exciting development for the Institute and our stakeholders and partners, as it provides a new way for professionals to continue learning and growing in their careers,” said Inglis. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact these micro-credentials will have on the industry as a whole.”
The following micro-credentials are available now and those interested can explore course availability and register via CCOVI’s professional and continuing studies web page:
- Certification in Ontario Wines
- Foundation in Winemaking (In-person and online)
- Wine Faults and Sensory Evaluation
- Winery Lab Skills
- Social Media Storytelling for Wine Brands
- Cider and Perry Production: Foundation (In-person)
- Essential Lab Testing of Cider and Perry
- Essential Sensory Evaluation of Cider and Perry
- Level 1 Award in Spirits (In-person and online)
- Level 1 Award in Wine (In-person and online)
- Level 2 Award in Spirits (In-person and online)
- Level 2 Award in Wine (In-person and online)
- Level 3 Award in Wine (In-person and online)
