Skills Bootcamp | Vineyard Operative

Do you want to learn more about Vinegrowing?  This course is suitable for those currently working in or seeking employment at a vineyard. 

This course has all the necessary elements required to be able to work in a vineyard, combining an overview of the UK Wine Industry, technical knowledge needed to work in a vineyard and grow grapes with practical skills needed to undertake vineyard operations throughout the season. It enables students to gain a good level of knowledge and understanding of vineyard activities over a short, intense, period. 

The Introduction to the UK Wine Industry will give students an overview of the different aspects of the English wine industry including business models, English viticulture practices, climate challenges, English wine styles and distribution models. 

The Principles of Vinegrowing will give students essential knowledge for growing grapevines and working in a vineyard. Each day, vinegrowing theory is introduced in the morning classroom session, then put into practice in the afternoon in the vineyard. Please note: the course focuses on cool climate grape growing.  

The tractor driving, PA1 and PA3 courses will equip students with essential practical skills to undertake tractor and spray operations in vineyards.  

The Emergency First Aid at Work and Dynamic Risk Assessment courses provide Health and Safety knowledge and skills needed for Vineyard Operatives to work safely in a vineyard environment.  

The courses will be delivered in person. There will be some information to read ahead of attending some of the modules.  

The practical sessions are designed so that students put into practice the theory that they have learnt in the classroom.  

Students will meet like-minded students who are at the same career stage which gives them the opportunity to forge a network and community within the industry whilst they study.  

Upon completion, you will have the following qualifications: 

• Plumpton Certificate - Principles of Vinegrowing (Intensive) 
• Safe Use of Pesticides (PA1) 
• Air Assisted Sprayer Mounted or Trailed (PA3)
• Tractor Driving 
• Emergency First Aid at Work 
• Dynamic Risk Assessment 
• Intro to UK Wine 1 day 

Course Cost

This Skills Bootcamp is FREE for learners who meet the eligibility criteria. Please see more here.

Introduction to the English Wine Industry module: 

• History of the English wine sector  
• Recent growth of the English wine sector 
• Overview of the business models and opportunities 
• Overview of English viticulture and grape varietals 
• Overview of English wine production and wine styles   
• Climate considerations and challenges 

Principles of Vinegrowing module:

• Evaluating and improving vineyard sites; 
• Selecting vine varieties and rootstocks; 
• Winter pruning; 
• Vine propagation and nutrition; 
• Planting and trellising vines, 
• Vineyard floor management and sustainable viticulture, 
• Vineyard pest and disease management, 
• Canopy management 

PA1 & PA3 modules  

• Legislation 
• Personal safety and contamination 
• Pesticide & Container Storage 
• Record keeping 
• Label information 
• Operator responsibilities 
• Container and packaging disposal 
• Environmental and wildlife consideration 
• Emergency procedures 
• Set up and efficiency of air system 
• Applicator controls and components 
• Preparation of prime mover and equipment 
• Safe driving 
• Nozzle identification/ uses 
• Calibration 
• Mechanical defects 
• Measuring and mixing pesticides 
• Sprayer application 

Tractor Driving Module:

• Health & Safety at Work Act - Preventing accidents 
• PUWER Tractor controls 
• Daily checks 
• Driving forwards & in reverse 
• Automatic hitching systems 
• Driving with Trailed machines Attaching Mounted implements 
• Driving with mounted implements 
• Connecting PTO shafts 
• LANTRA Theory & Practical tests 

Emergency First Aid at Work Module:

• The ability to act safely and effectively when an accident or emergency occurs 
• The treatment and priorities of care for an unconscious patient 
• The recognition of cardiac arrest and delivery of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) 
• The ability to safely and promptly treat a patient who is bleeding 
• The ability to recognise and treat a patient in shock 
• The keeping of simple records following an accident at work 
• Students will also learn to provide care for patients who have: suffered a burn or scald, injured bones, muscles or joints, been poisoned by ingestion or inhalation of a substance or gas, suffered an injury to the eye 
• Signs & symptoms of a major illness e.g. heart attack 

The Introduction to the English Wine Industry and Principles of Vinegrowing will be assessed via a 30-minute multiple choice test.  

The PA1 qualification will be assessed via an online multiple-choice quiz.

The Lantra Tractor Driving and PA3 qualifications will be externally assessed by City & Guilds / Lantra.

The Emergency First Aid at Work and Dynamic Risk Assessment will be assessed by the trainer on the level of participation of students . 

19+ 

No previous experience required, but a passion for the outdoors is a must.