Professionals across the South African wine industry value chain now have the opportunity to gain formal recognition for their skills, experience and industry knowledge.
The South African Wine Industry Professional Body (SAWIPB) is proud to announce its official professional designations across all subsectors of the wine industry value chain. By establishing these structured career pathways, the SAWIPB aims to standardise industry skills, ensure South Africa’s wine sector remains globally competitive, and empower workers to build stronger careers.
Jurie van Zyl, SAWIPB council member and people development advisor at Skillogical, believes in the power of the designations. “Qualifications say I met specific knowledge and competence criteria. Designations say I am still meeting the latest criteria to make a difference in the world of work,” he said.
“The SAWIPB is proud to promote the achievement of both sets of criteria. Take our hand in this endeavour by applying for your designation or encourage your employees to do so.”
Designations can give you a competitive advantage
A SAWIPB professional designation is a formal acknowledgement of a practitioner’s abilities and experience within the industry. Whether an individual is looking to grow within their field or formalise years of hard-earned experience, achieving a designation with the SAWIPB validates their expertise and provides a standard for success within the industry.
Related stories
- SAWIPB helps township dreamer Musa build wine brand
- A new era in wine: Unlocking potential with the SAWIPB
- Advisory programme helps black wine farmers adapt and grow
- Wine tourism: SA farms are cashing in on the experience economy
Kachné Ross, people development manager of South Africa Wine and executive manager of the SAWIPB, noted, “The wine industry has always been defined by the dedication, knowledge and craftsmanship of its people.
“Our role is to honour that legacy by creating opportunities for professionals. This is about more than professional recognition; it is about building a stronger future, one person at a time.”
Designations across four key sub-sectors
The wine industry is diverse, and SAWIPB has identified four main sub-sectors, each offering its own tailored progression pathway. Within each sub-sector, the SAWIPB has opened at least one designation, with future designations opening in the future.
- Primary production: Cultivating the heart of the industry, for example, viticulture, farming, soil science. The designation currently available for this sub-sector is viticulture industry specialist.
- Secondary production: The art and science of winemaking, for example, winemaking, oenology. The designation currently available for this sub-sector is certified cellar worker.
- Wine tourism & marketing: Sharing the story of South African wines, for example, tasting room management, digital marketing. The designation currently available for this sub-sector is wine tasting practitioner.
- Logistics & distribution: Connecting products with global consumers (e.g., imports, exports). The designation currently available for this sub-sector is wine logistics administration specialist.
SAWIPB expressed their excitement that the sensory and wine evaluation category has joined them as a fifth sub-sector. A career path and related designations are currently being defined.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
The organisation said the core component of these designations is inclusivity. SAWIPB recognises that many talented individuals in the industry may lack formal academic qualifications, such as a specific NQF level, but possess years of invaluable hands-on experience.
Rico Basson, CEO of South Africa Wine, applauded people working in the South African wine industry, noting they are the greatest asset.
“These professional designations recognise skills, experience and excellence while creating meaningful career pathways that will strengthen the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of our industry,” Basson said.
Through the RPL programme, workers can secure formal recognition for the skills they have acquired on the job, which can bridge the gap to qualify for a professional designation.
Apply for your designation
To apply for a professional designation, applicants can register via the SAWIPB Learner Management System, complete a competency survey, and submit a portfolio of evidence for review. To aid applicants, SAWIPB has released a series of helpful walk-through videos on their YouTube channel.
To explore the career pathways, apply for Recognition of Prior Learning, or begin your designation application, visit www.sawipb.co.za.
READ NEXT: Climate change: SA’s food processors are feeling the heat
