VTAP gives apprentices valuable knowledge of the wine industry, paired with real-world experience, to fill the skills gap at wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms throughout San Diego County
The San Diego County Vintners Association (SDCVA) is a proud partner of the Viniculture Technician Apprenticeship Program (VTAP) offered through Cuyamaca College.
With the assistance of the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards, SDCVA and Cuyamaca College have formed a Unilateral Apprenticeship Committee that is mobilizing the wine industry to offer apprenticeships for future employees. VTAP’s goal is to provide apprentices knowledge of the wine industry, paired with real-world experience, with the hopes to fill the skills gap at wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms throughout San Diego County.
The two-year consists of 14.5 units of horticulture classroom instruction and 3,000 hours of hands-on employment at one of the participating wineries and vineyards.
Harvest the Next Batch of San Diego County Wine Connoisseurs
VTAP is currently accepting applications from wineries and vineyards to be VTAP employers.
As an employer, you must dedicate the time to mentor the apprentices and provide them with field experience that encompasses all aspects of running a winery or vineyard.
Participating wineries and vineyards must commit to providing 9 – 30 hours per week to apprentices while they are at their work place. Wineries and vineyards must also provide Worker’s Compensation and a pay rate starting at $11 per hour then increasing to $13 per hour.
Click here if you would like to apply to be a VTAP employer.
Please contact Donald Schultz, Program Coordinator, at (619) 660-4023 or Donald.Schultz@gcccd.edu if have any questions about becoming a VTAP employer.