Designation Description

Certified Vineyard Practitioners perform tasks related to supporting vineyard establishment, and cultivation until and including harvest. Specific duties include vine planting, vine training, pruning, canopy management, spraying, and irrigation.

Underlying NQF Registered Qualifications / Academic Component

NQF Level 1 qualification

Workplace Experience / Experiential Learning / Practical Experience

Minimum of 3 seasonal cycles of hands-on experience in assisting with vineyard operations related to vineyard establishment, and cultivation up to harvesting. Workplace experience should not only relate to supporting practical operations but should also speak to applying knowledge and understanding of grape production, soil and water management, pest and disease control, and other basic aspects of vineyard cultivation practices.

Competency Assessment / Board Examination

Applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of competence in basic vineyard cultivation practices over three whole growth seasons (from leaf fall to harvest) and should have completed the Technical Vineyard Principles Skills Programme offered by Vinpro NPC Training Provider.

Continuous Professional Development Requirements

The SAWIPB Policy on CPD outlines the respective CPD requirements and categories. CPD activities validated by SAWIPB are disseminated to members and managed via the SAWIPB website. 8 credits every two years obtained through SAWIPB verified or non-verified activities (technical training opportunities) are required to retain this designation. Non-verified credits are allocated by the standing SAWIPB Training and Development Committee based on information submitted. In addition, 2 training credits every two years should be related to people skills and interaction and/or health and safety principles at operational level.

Application of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants that do not have an NQF 1 qualification need to apply for RPL for Access. SAWIPB will assist the applicant with the RPL application. The Competence Survey to be completed by all applicants will also be used to inform the RPL process especially the identification of skills and knowledge gaps that may still require attention.

Designation Competencies

Irrigation system checks and basic care • Can walk the irrigation lines and look for leaks, blocked drippers, and broken pipes. • Can read simple pressure gauges and flow indicators and tell the supervisor if readings are not normal. • Can flush filters and lines when told to, and put filters back correctly.

Water use in the block • Can follow the irrigation schedule (when to open/close valves, how long to irrigate). • Understands that too little water stresses vines and too much water makes vines grow too strong and can hurt fruit quality. • Reports dry or waterlogged areas in the block to the supervisor.

Shoot and leaf work • Can identify the main shoots, side shoots (laterals), and leaves on the vine. • Can remove extra shoots and leaves as instructed (thinning, leaf plucking) without damaging the vine. • Can position shoots and tuck them into wires as per the system used (e.g., VSP).

Understanding basic effects of canopy work • Understands that opening the canopy lets in more light and air and helps reduce disease. • Understands that a well managed canopy helps sprays reach the bunches better.

Young vine training • Can tie and guide young vines up the stake or wire as instructed. • Can remove unwanted shoots on young vines to build a strong trunk and structure.

Scouting and reporting • Can walk rows and look for signs of insects, diseases, and problem weeds. • Can recognise and point out common problems shown in training (e.g., powdery mildew spots, leaf damage from insects). • Can record or report where and how serious the problem is (block, row number, size of area).

Support for spraying operations • Can help prepare the block for spraying (clear obstacles, check rows, put out signs). • Can help with mixing support tasks when trained and supervised (measure water, handle empty containers). • Knows to stay out of the block during spray and re entry periods, and can follow supervisor’s safety instructions.

Grass, cover crops, and weeds • Can mow or slash grass between rows safely and to the required height. • Can hand weed or hoe under the vines where needed. • Can help with sowing or maintaining cover crops when asked.

Herbicide work (support) • Can prepare the area (remove obstacles, protect young vines) for herbicide application. • Can support the sprayer operator (mixing support, filling water, cleaning equipment) under supervision. • Understands that misusing herbicides can damage vines and soil and must follow instructions exactly.

Fertiliser and soil amendments • Can apply fertiliser or compost at the right place and rate as instructed (by hand or with simple tools). • Can help with fertigation support (ensure drippers run, no obvious leaks) when trained.

Observing vine health • Can notice and report signs of poor vine health (pale leaves, stunted shoots, unusual leaf colour). • Understands that fertiliser is “vine food” and that too much or too little can harm the vines.

Safe use of basic vineyard tools • Can safely use hand tools (secateurs, saws, hoes, spades, tying tools). • Can safely operate basic machinery they are trained on (e.g., mower, trimmer, small tractor implements) following instructions.

Cleaning and basic care • Can clean tools and sprayers after use (rinse, remove dirt, store correctly). • Can check and clean filters and strainers when told to. • Reports broken or unsafe tools and equipment immediately.

Winter pruning • Can follow block specific pruning rules (e.g., Guyot, VSP) on what wood to keep and what to remove. • Can make clean cuts and avoid damaging the trunk or main arms. • Can use pruning tools safely and maintain basic sharpness and cleanliness.

Personal safety (PPE and rules) • Always wears the correct protective clothing (PPE) when working near or with chemicals. • Follows all safety signs and instructions about when it is safe to enter sprayed areas.

Handling and storage (as helper, not main operator) • Can help receive, move, and store chemicals in the correct, marked places under supervision. • Can help clean up after spraying (rinsing equipment, washing PPE) in the right way, without polluting soil or water.

Simple recordkeeping • Can fill in simple forms or checklists (for example: irrigation checks, pest finds, hours worked). • Can mark problem areas on a basic block map or by row and post number.

Clear communication • Can clearly tell the supervisor what they saw (what, where, how many rows, how bad). • Can report problems quickly (leaks, broken wires, high pest levels, safety hazards).

Working safely • Follows all safety rules given in training (no shortcuts). • Uses PPE correctly and keeps it in good condition. • Knows what to do in basic emergencies (who to call, where first aid and fire equipment are).

Protecting the environment • Does not dump chemicals, fuel, or rubbish in the vineyard, drains, or waterways. • Follows biosecurity rules (for example: cleaning boots/tools when moving between blocks if required).

Working in a team • Works at a steady pace and keeps good quality of work. • Cooperates with others and follows the team leader’s instructions. • Helps new workers understand tasks where possible.

Reliability and behaviour • Comes to work on time and ready to work. • Treats others with respect (no bullying, harassment, or aggression). • Takes care of company tools and property as if they were their own.

Following instructions and checklists • Can follow step by step instructions (spoken, shown, or written with pictures). • Uses checklists when given, and ticks off tasks when they are done.

Willingness to learn • Takes part in toolbox talks and short trainings. • Listens to feedback and tries to improve. • Asks questions when not sure how to do a job.

Professional Designation Progression Pathway

- Vineyard Worker (Certified Vineyard Practitioner) - Viticulture and Vineyard Supervisor (Certified Viticulture Practitioner) - Vineyard Operations Manager (Certified Viticulture Professional) - Viticulture Consultant (Viticulture Industry Specialist)