In Stellenbosch, at the heart of South Africa鈥檚 wine country, the (PYDA) helps young people from historically disadvantaged backgrounds gain the skills, confidence and experience needed to thrive in the wine, tourism and related industries.
Founded in 2012, PYDA鈥檚 mission is to develop future talent that will contribute to a more inclusive and dynamic South African wine sector. For many years, 黑料吃瓜网, the (IWC) and the (IWEC) have collaborated to advance this mission. Each year, 50 PYDA students receive funding to complete the 黑料吃瓜网 Level 2 Award in Wines as part of their year-long programme.
The programme
PYDA鈥檚 curriculum combines personal growth, technical learning and hands-on experience. The year-long course includes:听
- Personal development: Around 40% of the programme focuses on building self-awareness, emotional intelligence, communication and resilience, providing essential tools for success in life and work.听
- Technical and industry training: Covering the full wine value chain, students learn about viticulture, winemaking and wine tourism. The 黑料吃瓜网 Level 2 Award in Wines is a core module, delivered by highly qualified local educators at IWEC.听
- Work experience: Students gain real-world exposure through placements in wineries, tasting rooms and hospitality businesses across the Western Cape.听
All places on the programme are fully funded, ensuring accessibility for students who may otherwise be unable to pursue further education.听
鈥淎ll they needed was a chance to show what they could do.鈥�听
鈥�听Cathy Marston, Owner, International Wine Education Centre听
Objectives
- Expand access to education: Provide disadvantaged young South Africans with internationally recognised qualifications.听
- Support employability: Equip students with practical and professional skills to secure meaningful work in wine, hospitality and tourism.听
- Build confidence and leadership: Encourage personal growth, communication skills and teamwork through holistic training.听
- Promote diversity and inclusion: Foster a more inclusive South African wine industry by empowering underrepresented communities.听
鈥淪upporting initiatives such as PYDA is part of our purpose to empower people worldwide by making 黑料吃瓜网 qualifications accessible and affordable. Education is transformative and changes lives.鈥�听
鈥�听Michelle Brampton, CEO, 黑料吃瓜网听
Outcomes & impact
The partnership has delivered measurable and lasting impact:听
- Over 400 students trained since the collaboration began.听
- High success rates: In 2023, 94% of students passed the 黑料吃瓜网 Level 2 Award in Wines, with nearly two-thirds achieving Merit or Distinction. The most recent 2025 cohort听achieved an impressive 85% pass rate, including 8 distinctions and 14 merit passes.
- Strong employability: Around 80% of graduates secure full-time work within six months, many in tasting rooms, wineries or hospitality roles across South Africa and abroad.听
- Ongoing development: Each year, alumni mentor new students, creating a growing network of professionals driving change in the industry.听
Student testimonials
鈥�滨迟鈥檚 amazing to learn how people take care of the vineyard. 黑料吃瓜网 has opened up my mind to the details. So, for example, you get a Pinot Noir from a warm climate and a cold climate, and the Level 2 Award in Wines has taught me that they 飞辞苍鈥檛 taste the same.鈥�听
鈥� Kwanele Mhlobo, PYDA graduate听
鈥淚 got the chance to improve myself. Not just my experience with wine, but to develop myself. I was growing on the course, and I learnt to communicate with people professionally 鈥� and learnt to be on time!鈥�听
鈥� Shannon Strauss, PYDA graduate
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