Viticulture Technician Diploma

The Viticulture Technician Diploma program is currently in the two-year Pilot Delivery (September 2017 - April 2019) If you would like further information or to have your name added to the interest list, please contact Food, Wine and Tourism at feedyourpassion@okanagan.bc.ca. Please note the next update for this program is scheduled for December 2018.

The Viticulture Technician Diploma is designed to provide hands on, theoretical and practical knowledge to work as part of the vineyard management team to plan, develop, plant and maintain a vineyard for the production of quality wine. The diploma program is structured around the viticulture growing season, providing opportunities to develop and apply skills leading to sustainable practices within commercial vineyards. An exciting aspect of working in a vineyard is that nothing is routine, as nature and the vines exert their influence, creating an ever changing environment. Students will be exposed to this dynamic environment of viticulture, developing a range of skills and knowledge, including canopy management, pest control, pruning, training vines, sensory evaluation, occupational health and safety, and operating equipment. An integral aspect of the diploma is a co-op term to ensure students have a comprehensive understanding of the production practices and processes that enable employment within the industry.

Admission Requirements

B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.

English 12 with minimum 60% or alternatives.

Biology 11 or ABE equivalent.

Math - minimum of 67% in any of:

• Pre-calculus Grade 11
• Foundations of Mathematics Grade 11
• Principles of Mathematics 11
• Adult Basic Education MATH 011
• Adult Basic Education MATH 084 and MATH 085
• Adult Basic Education IALG 011

Mature applicants who are at least 19 years of age and have been out of full-time senior secondary study for at least one year may have the senior secondary graduation requirement waived. Mature applicants without English 12 can write the LPI and must receive a minimum score of level 4.

Mature applicants without Mathematics 11 must meet one of the following mathematics requirements:

• A minimum score of 67% on the Mathematics 11 proficiency exam; or
• A minimum score of 16/25 on the Mathematics diagnostic test

Graduation Requirements

Successful completion of the prescribed and elective courses as listed in the program outline with a minimum graduating grade average of 60%. A minimum of 50% of the program must be completed through Okanagan College. VITT 220 and VITT 270 are required residency courses.