A WINE and spirits learning hub was launched in Adelaide today, as SA's hospitality sector seeks to bounce back and attract more skilled workers following the affects of COVID-19.
TAFE SA's Wine and Spirits School's new education hub brings a range of professional qualifications and specialist short courses under one roof at its City Campus.
TAFE SA will also deliver courses to regional SA using a virtual classroom and will work closely with industry to ensure training continues to be relevant to their needs.
"Most of our students are winemakers, viticulturalists, sommeliers and those working in high-end wine bars because industry values these qualifications," said TAFE SA lecturer Gill Gordon Smith.
"Our new hub will also provide an opportunity to expand our education offering in wine, beer, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks with more workshops, masterclasses and trade events."
TAFE SA has a proud 30-year history in wine education and has been delivering Wine and Spirit Education Trust courses since 2011.
Courses include WSET awards in wine, spirits and sake, Barossa Wine School, Champagne and Sparkling Tasting Lab, and French, Italian and Spanish Wine Scholar programs.
Education Minister Blair Boyer said the Wine and Spirits School offered "approachable and engaging training", which was especially relevant for those working in the industry, or aspiring to.
"This Government values TAFE SA's ability to move quickly to customise training for industry - and we are hearing directly from industry there is a downturn in the number of skilled hospitality workers," he said.
"This new hub will provide an opportunity for TAFE to expand its education offering in wine, beer, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks with more workshops, masterclasses and trade events."
