SkillUP Success: Michael found his niche and a new job

Michael Smith had been without permanent work for five years when he saw an ad for Skill Up.

Formerly a builder’s apprentice, Michael and his wife came across the ad together and it caught his eye immediately: Pruning and Vineyard Establishment.

Michael’s ideal work was anything that could engage his green thumb, and while he admits he knew very little about vineyards, he knew he had to give it a try.

TasTAFE’s Skill Up courses are fee free, so he knew he had nothing to lose.

The short course runs for two sessions a week over six weeks, and teaches students the basic skills and knowledge for working in the growing wine industry.

Michael was able to apply his own skills with what he learned in the short course to learn the tricks of the trade quickly.

“I’ve done plenty of pruning at home, but never grapevines. They’re so specific. You really have to know what you’re doing… the teacher David was great, he had a lot of background knowledge”.

He soon found work in the industry at Cape Bernier Vineyard which got him a “head start” in the industry, and he soon moved on to a much bigger vineyard at Meadowbank Wines.

“I’ve done a little bit of pruning, right now I’m doing canopy management. (I’ve been) dropping wires and worrying about the caught-on wire where we wrap the arms of the vine around. I’ve even started wrapping the arms of the vine on”.

Asked if he would recommend Skill Up to others in his situation, his answer was clear:

“Absolutely”.

To learn more about how you can study Pruning and Vineyard Establishment and other courses visit our Skill Up page

SKILL UP is a State Government-funded program.