Industry body South Africa Wine has launched the 2024 iteration of its Graduate Placement Programme, which is designed to advance professionals in the local wine industry.

The programme aims to connect talented tertiary graduates with member companies across the wine industry’s value chain for fixed placements of between 6 and 12 months.

“As a key player in the South African wine sector, South Africa Wine is committed to advancing the skills and opportunities available to young South Africans, enabling them to rise to managerial and ownership roles within the industry over time,” explains South Africa Wine people and skills development manager Kachné Ross.  

The programme covers a range of positions, including viticulture, winemaking, logistics, export management and industrial engineering, ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing the skills needs of the entire industry.

Ross explains that by facilitating meaningful placements for graduates within South Africa Wine’s member companies, the organisation is not only advancing individual growth but also strengthening the industry's capacity for innovation and sustainability.

In partnership with Agrijob, South Africa Wine provides recruitment services free of charge to member companies.

Agrijob then works closely with businesses to match them with suitable graduates, handling everything from initial consultations to the final placement.

South Africa Wine also directly contributes R5 000 monthly to the salary of each placed graduate, helping companies offer competitive compensation while alleviating some of the financial burdens of hiring new talent.

“The Graduate Placement Programme is not just about filling jobs. It is about investing in the future of the wine industry. We are committed to helping create a more inclusive, skilled workforce that can lead the industry into a new era of growth and innovation,” Ross states.

South Africa Wine calls on wine businesses across the country to support this initiative and take an active role in developing the next generation of industry leaders, while benefitting from the skills and fresh perspectives of talented young professionals. 

“We call on wine businesses across South Africa to support this initiative and take an active role in developing the next generation of industry leaders. By participating in the Graduate Placement Programme, you will benefit from the skills and fresh perspectives of talented young professionals and contribute to the long-term success and diversity of the industry.”