Victorian pilot training program for distillation techniques

There are more than 180 distillers across regional and metropolitan Victoria.

Now, aspiring Victorian distillers will have the opportunity to benefit from a new pilot training program focused on the latest distillation techniques and industry safety as part of the $20 million Distillery Door Program.

The $1.2m program education pathway for distillers is being delivered by the National Distilling Institute in collaboration with the Spirits Victoria Association and the Australian Distillers Association. The initial courses will be a Certificate IV in Artisan Fermented Products and micro-credential courses for safety in distilleries.

The first session was held at Starward Distillery in Port Melbourne and will be followed by sessions at regional distilleries in Geelong, Ballarat, Mornington and the High Country throughout April.

Over the next 18 months, the first round of students will complete up to 22 different subjects where they will gain expertise in areas ranging from how to blend spirits and filter fermented beverages, to how to perform basic safety tests and control food contamination and spoilage.

Further development will involve a Certificate III in Food Processing (Distilling) and funding of up to $2000 per distillery for staff to attend other micro-credential courses.

“We’re investing in the future of distilling and we are thrilled to be partnering with industry leaders to deliver this new course that will set Victorian distillers apart from the rest,” said Victorian Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence.

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