Accelerated Beverage Industry Training Program - Tier 2

The dynamic world of beverages continues beyond the tasting room. This second tier of the Accelerated Beverage Industry Training program builds on the past foundational skills and participants’ lived experiences to focus on business development and sustainability in South Okanagan. If you’ve poured your share of glasses and are ready to gain insight into industry trends and take on a leadership role in building a sustainable beverage business culturally and fiscally, this accelerated course is for you.

Program Schedule

Training Program: November 18 to November 29, 2024, Monday to Friday, 9:00 - 4:00 pm in-person plus onsite field visits to participating South Okanagan industry businesses. Follow-up access to related industry short courses (see below) Dec 2 – Dec 20, 2024.

Industry Mentorship: 4 hours of group and/or 1:1 mentorship with an industry professional

Location: District Wine Village, Okanagan College Penticton Campus, and the BCBTAC’s Sensory Learning Center

Cost: Fully funded, tuition is covered for participants, and program supports are available based on eligibility. All meals and field visit transportation are provided during class days. Reimbursements are available for childcare, travel, and accommodation (based on individual needs)

Application Deadline: November 4, 2024

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Program Overview

The Beverage Industry Training Program Tier 2 provides participants with fully funded training for various roles in the Beverage Industry and is intended for existing Beverage Industry professionals in wineries, breweries, distilleries, and cideries in the South Okanagan. By focusing on industry trends, and core marketing, HR, and financial topics, this program will provide participants with the skills to:

Review and evaluate current industry trends in consumer purchasing, innovation and regulations and their impacts

Develop resilience strategies around South Okanagan challenges such as climate variability and emergency disruptions

Explore innovation opportunities for beverage products in areas of craftsmanship and quality assurance

Inspire and lead teams, fostering a positive learning and growth culture

Explore talent retention and succession strategies for year-round employees as well as encouraging returning seasonal employees.

Explore important financial basics for evaluating innovation and product success, as well as for business continuity and growth

Program Content

This fully funded program includes 6 modules of focused, critical training for the Beverage Sector and includes training in:

Industry & Consumer Trends and Innovation

Regulatory Issues

Challenges and Resilience in the South Okanagan

Leadership and Mentorship of Teams

Retention and Succession Planning Strategies

Business Development and Costing

Previous experience in the industry is highly recommended as this training program will equip participants with essential training to prepare them for a leadership role in the growing beverage sector.

Participants will also have the opportunity to complete subsequent industry certificates following the two week program, based on the participants’ areas of interest. Examples may include:

Leadership Essentials and Advanced Series from Okanagan College
Tourism Digital Marketing Essentials from eLearningU
Targeted Go2HR programs

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Applicant Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Live in the South Okanagan region of British Columbia (which includes Summerland, Naramata, Penticton, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos, Keremeos, Cawston, and Rock Creek)
Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person legally able to work in Canada. (Post-Graduation Work Permit, Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and other temporary work visa holders are not eligible)
Over 19 years of age.
Grade 10 English or equivalent.

Indigenous peoples, 2SLBGTQI+, persons with disabilities, and workers 55+ are all encouraged to apply.

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Program Delivery

The Beverage Industry Training Program is delivered by Okanagan College Penticton Campus in Partnership with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)