TAFE SA’s inaugural Women in Wine Scholarship winners were announced this week after attracting 35 entries from women forging careers in the traditionally male-dominated industry.
Shaw and Smith’s tasting room manager Emma Hedges and final-year Adelaide University winemaking student Sarah Lyons were granted the scholarships to study internationally-recognised Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses at TAFE SA.
Both women said they welcomed the chance to expand their industry knowledge and were thankful for the push by TAFE SA educator Gill Gordon-Smith and Educational Manager Trish Colbey to support more women in the industry.
With plans to work overseas after graduating, Ms Lyons said an international WSET course will boost her credentials.
“I really feel this will add another layer to my degree and a competitive edge when applying for jobs,” Ms Lyons said.
Likewise Ms Hedges, who is currently finishing the Level 2 WSET course, led by Ms Gordon-Smith, said Level 3 WSET training will help her in her leadership goals.
Ms Gordon-Smith said the overwhelming response to the scholarship program prompted TAFE SA to award two scholarships.
“The applications were outstanding and it was a difficult final decision,” Ms Gordon-Smith said.
Ms Gordon-Smith also acknowledged the support from McLaren Vale winemaker Corrina Wright from the Women in Wine Awards Advisory Committee in supporting and promoting the scholarships.
More information on TAFE SA’s wine and viticulture courses can be found at tafesa.edu.au/wine
