MWC is honored to be teaming up with a strong group of collaborators to enhance and support education and hands on learning to the Michigan viticulture industry. The Michigan Wine Collaborative Pipeline will work towards the expansion of education and employment training specific to the industry, developing workforce talent to fill positions critical to the growth and sustainability of the grape and wine industry. The two main objectives of this project is first to create and develop a new pre-apprenticeship pathway for viticulture using the 4-H Club Model aimed at grades 8-12 and pilot in SE Michigan at two locations (Year 1 focus); expand statewide to five additional locations (Year 2 focus). Secondly we will work to gain USDOL approval for a new federally recognized occupation in the wine and grape industry: Production Technician (Year 1 focus) and facilitate the expansion of this occupation statewide (Year 2 focus). Contributors on this project include:
• Tom Smith – project PI will coordinate with all project collaborators and provide the primary connection to the MWC and specific employers.
• MWC – facilitate dissemination, communication and collaboration related to program development.
• Laurie Rivetto – MSUE CYI educator, will participate in development of educational materials (especially related to jobs, employment opportunities and entrepreneurship), structuring of program and administration to students.
• Kathy Jamieson – MSUE CYI educator, will participate in development of educational materials (especially related to jobs, employment opportunities and entrepreneurship), structuring of program and administration to students.
• Dixie Sandborn, MSUE 4-H Specialist, will participate in development of educational materials, structuring of program and administration to students.
• Paolo Sabbatini, Assistant Professor, Horticulture, will review curriculum that isdeveloped for the 4-H program (per e-mail response to Sandborn’s request).
• Pingree Farms (https://pingreefarms.org/ ) is a confirmed site and Wolcott Farms
• Youngblood Vineyards will participate by providing facilities to explore careers and hands-on activities, training of 4-H students and volunteers, and will provide the primary training location and expertise for a student intern in years 1 & 2 from the MSU IAT program at Wayne County Community College District. Two additional student interns from Northwestern Michigan College and Southwestern Michigan College, respectively, will be added in Year 2 and trained at local vineyards.
To learn more about this project Contact Us!