Ball: YVC Vineyard and Winery Program Well Suited for Students, Industry

Now in its 10^th year, the Vineyard and Winery Program at Yakima Valley College has grown, changed and evolved, much like the local winery industry.  Trent Ball YVC's Agriculture Chair says says unlike other programs, their classes are offered primarily in the evening, which allow for more non-traditional students to attend.  And he noted their program has enjoyed much post-graduation success.

“Highly successful placement rate, and we’re very uniquely located near the largest vineyards and wineries up and down the [Yakima] Valley and in Eastern Washington, and so our opportunities  for working for both large and small companies is right outside our backdoor.”

Ball also noted the adaptation of technology, smart phone and devices has greatly changed they way the wine industry is taught.  But he said what has not changed, is the diversity in the industry, which Ball says most people are attracted to.

“That there’s business, there’s science, there’s art, creativity, hands on application, there’s a lot of technical training, and so it kind of works all sides of your interest and elements which makes it an exciting career opportunity.”

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