Aspiring Victorian distillers now have the opportunity to attend a new pilot training program delivered by the National Distilling Institute. The program is part of the $20 million Distillery Door Program, and focusses on distillation techniques and industry safety.
The $1.2 million program education pathway will be delivered by the National Distilling Institute in collaboration with the Spirits Victoria Association and the Australian Distillers Association. The initial courses will be a Certificate IV in Artisan Fermented Products and micro-credential courses for safety in distilleries.
The first session was held at Starward Distillery in Port Melbourne, and will be followed by sessions at regional distilleries in Geelong, Ballarat, Mornington and the High Country throughout April.
Over the next 18-months, the first round of students will complete up to 22 different subjects where they will gain expertise in areas ranging from how to blend spirits and filter fermented beverages, to how to perform basic safety tests and control food contamination and spoilage.
Further development will involve a Certificate III in Food Processing (Distilling) and funding of up to $2000 per distillery for staff to attend other micro-credential courses.
Victoria is the distillery capital of the nation with, more than 180 distillers employing more than 9000 people across regional and metropolitan Victoria.
Spirits Victoria Association president David Irwin said, “Victorian spirits are already globally renowned for the awards they have won on the world stage, but we believe further skills development is vital to safeguarding our industry‘s future.”
The Distillery Door Program looks to promote Victoria’s distilling industry through supporting skills development, boosting visitor economy, improving infrastructure and safety, and increasing export capability.
