Student Success

VCAL - Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) - Providing Hands-on Experience in Growing Industries

Patterson River Secondary Student, Jason Tymms is getting hands-on experience in the wine industry with a work placement at Handpicked Wines in Bittern, on the Mornington Peninsula. As part of his VET course in Certificate II in Horticulture, Jason also undertakes a one day a week SWL placement when what he learns in the classroom at TAFE can then be applied in the real world of work.

Jason is embraced as one of the team at Handpicked Wines and is learning so much already. “It’s awesome, amazing and I love it”. He said “I even got to crush the grapes!”

The placement has really opened up Jason’s eyes to the great opportunities that are available in the local wine industry. When asked if he would consider a career in the industry, Jason’s immediate response was “Absolutely! I guess I found it (his ideal job)!”

VET and Pathways Co-ordinator, Karen Talbot, says “Jason positively beams when he talks about working at Handpicked Wines, I think he has found his calling.”

Jason’s placement is one of many offered by local wineries in the region and has been made possible by Mornington Peninsula Wines and the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula LLEN. To find out more about careers in the wine industry go to Education | Mornington Peninsula Wine

Karen Talbot

VET/Pathways Coordinator