Now is the time to submit your application for the 2021 Wine Industry Mentor Program, as applications to be part of this year’s program will close on Friday, 30 April.
The mentor program pairs early career wine professionals with respected wine sector leader and has been expanded this year to cover all areas of the wine industry including: wine business, wine marketing, media, photography, wine education, winemaking, viticulture and oenology.
The program was established by Wine Communicators of Australia (WCA) and the University of Adelaide and this year’s expansion has been made possible after the two organisations moved into partnership with Wine Australia and the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO).
Andrew Stark, Executive Officer at Wine Communicators of Australia, said: “Much of the success of the Australian wine industry is owed to its collegiate nature and the willingness of members to assist others to grow and develop. This is a perfect example of that, not only evidenced by the enthusiasm of the participants but also by the cooperation of the four organisations that are partnering to offer a world-class program.”
University of Adelaide’s Dr Armando Maria Corsi who is Associate Professor of Wine Business at the
Adelaide Business School, added: “The program provides early career professionals from the wine industry with the chance to refine their skills and boost their career opportunities by tapping into the experiences and insights from the best in their field.
“Training doesn’t end when people graduate: life-long learning is an essential part of students’ and professionals’ careers.”
Over 40 industry leaders are set to take up the mantle as a mentor in 2021. They include Peter Leske of Revenir Winemaking, Brett McClen from Brown Family Wines, Kerry Wilkinson from the University of Adelaide and Trish Barry from Mastermind Consulting.
The program, which will run over a period of six months from June to November 2021, consists of monthly one-on-one sessions with a mentor and access to a range of resources through the program’s online mentoring platform. It is especially attractive to people who want to follow in the footsteps of their mentors.
Chris Waters, Executive Officer at the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology said the ASVO is delighted to be able to offer a mentor program to members.
“Like membership in a professional society, it is often the intangible aspects of a mentor program that offer the greatest value. The richness of the relationship and the engagement that you can have, both as a mentor or mentee, build aspiration and skills to prepare for the next stage of your career,” he said.
“Importantly, a national mentor program of this nature fills a gap in people development support offered to the sector”, said Jo Hargreaves, Senior Program Manager Wine Australia. “The benefit of a co-ordinated approach between the four partners is already evident in the quality of mentors secured.”
To find out more about the eligibility criteria and how to apply head to the Wine Communicators of Australia website.