Exciting initiative to help local workers
2008-08-07
THE Wellington Wine Route, which has 26 members, including three producers’ cellars, has launched an exciting new initiative aimed at enhancing the lives of the local farm and hospitality worker community. There are approximately 220 wine farms in the area, which makes this industry one of the biggest employers in Wellington. With this in mind, the Wellington Wine Route Committee has identified the need to provide cost-effective training for the small, medium and large farmer. The initiative, known as the People & Productivity Initiative, is spearheaded by a special committee, made up of HR personnel and viticulturists from Diemersfontein Wine & Country Estate, Doolhof Wine Estate, Bosman Boerdery and Wamakersvallei Cellar. “This is a non-profit initiative that will strive to train our workforce. “We want to establish a network where farm, cellar, and hospitality workers will be trained, identified, and have the possibility of seeking jobs within the Initiative,” explains Hendrik Laubscher, a viticulturist from Doolhof. Sonnenberg, who serves on the Wellington Route Committee,was the initiator of the project. “We need to intensify our effort to provide training and development opportunities for our very valuable employees whose skills contribute to our collective enterprise in creating amongst the finest wines in the country,” says Sonnenberg. “Some of the bigger estates can afford the services of a Human Resources manager who can address the specific estates’ needs. By combining our expertise and passion for our valley we will be able to provide a platform from which all the Wellington Wine Route producers can benefit,” says Denise Stubbs, HR Manager at Diemersfontein. Rita Andreas, who has been at the forefront of development and training at Bosman Boerdery, one of the biggest vine nurseries in South Africa, adds: “We have a lot of expertise amongst the employees of the wine farms that can be utilised to the benefit of everyone.” The training and development programme will be tailor-made to address the specific needs of the Wellington wine producers and will include that of the hospitality industry. The plan is also to establish a network platform whereby all Wellington Wine Route and Tourism members would have access to available staff and trainees.
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