A case study investigation of the learning needs of the Niagara grape and wine community
Abstract
The Niagara Grape and Wine Community (NGWC) is an industry that has
undergone rapid change and expansion as a result of changes in governmental regulations
and consumer preferences. As a result of these changes, the demands of the wine industry
workforce have changed to reflect the need to implement new strategies and practices to
remain viable and competitive. The influx of people into the community with little or no
prior practical experience in grape growing (viticulture) or winemaking (oenology) has
created a need for additional training and learning opportunities to meet workforce needs.
This case study investigated the learning needs of the members of this community
and how these needs are currently being met. The barriers to, and the opportunities for,
members acquiring new knowledge and developing skills were also explored.
Participants were those involved in all levels of the industry and sectors (viticulture,
processing, and retail), and their views on needs and suggestions for programs of study
were collected. Through cross analyses of sectors, areas of common and unique interest
were identified as well as formats for delivery. A common fundamental component was
identified by all sectors - any program must have a significant applied component or
demonstration of proficiency and should utilize members as peer instructors, mentors,
and collaborators to generate a larger shared collective of knowledge.
Through the review of learning organizations, learning communities, communities
of practices, and learning networks, the principles for the development of a Grape and
Wine Learning Network to meet the learning needs of the NGWC outside of formal
institutional or academic programs were developed. The roles and actions of members to
make such a network successful are suggested.
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