25 September 2000 Wine industry's growth good news for course entrants

"Look to the growth industries" is the frequent advice of careers advisers and parents recommending employment paths for today's school-leavers. The New Zealand wine industry is one such business. The value of New Zealand's wine exports has doubled over the past three years and in the 12 months up to the end of March 2000 exports topped $150 million for the first time.

"To enter the industry with a tertiary qualification will certainly get you off to a good start," says Lincoln University's senior lecturer in viticulture, Dr Mike Trought.

For school-leavers and others entering university without a first degree the basic qualification available at Lincoln is the Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology. This three-year degree programme includes practical work experience in commercial vineyards and wineries.

In addition the course involves students growing their own grapes, making wine, and developing wine tasting skills and other forms of wine analysis.

The minimum entrance requirement is University Entrance and the ideal background includes an understanding of chemistry, biology and mathematics as the programme includes some compulsory papers in these areas.

The other basic qualifications available through Lincoln is the Postgraduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology. This is a one-year programme for students who already have a first degree from an approved university. Others with significant and specialised winemaking or viticultural experience may be granted provisional entry. Similar conditions may apply to students who have completed other tertiary qualifications which may not have degree status.

Recently a vintage opportunity for Lincoln University viticulture and wine science students opened up in Marlborough, home of 40 percent of the country's total vineyard area and source of award-winning wines by the cellar-full.

The opportunity, arising from an agreement with the Marlborough Research Centre, gives Lincoln University access to laboratory and office facilities for students to undertake research important to the development of the province. The students will work in collaboration with, and under the supervision of, HortResearch scientists.

The agreement recognises a connection between Lincoln and Marlborough that has been maturing since 1983.

"Our grape and wine students are very keen about being associated with the vibrant wine industry in Marlborough and having the opportunity to work there," says Dr Trought. "The area has the highest reputation overseas for the quality of its grapes and winemaking, so it is good for our students to be working in that sort of environment.

"Lincoln currently has two doctoral-level students working with HortResearch scientists at the Marlborough Research Centre, one investigating botrytis development in vineyards and the other looking into insect pests.

"A third student, studying for a masters degree, is looking at management effects on the composition of Sauvignon blanc grapes – the variety which made the region famous.

"The Lincoln research programme is attracting a lot of very good students from throughout New Zealand and overseas," says Dr Trought. "At the same time numbers in the degree and postgraduate qualification courses are very healthy."

Lincoln's wine science and viticulture programmes and other courses can be discussed with Liaison Officers Renata Cooper or Tim Ruthven by contacting the University's Strategic Communications Centre on 0800 10 60 10 or email liaison@lincoln.ac.nz . Renata Cooper will be representing the University at the Coca Cola Careers Expo.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand