National Distilling Institute Launches
The National Distilling Institute, in collaboration with the Spirits Victoria Association and the Australian Distillers Association, has announced the commencement of a ground-breaking pilot training program for aspiring distillers.
The National Distilling Institute is a nationally recognised training organisation founded in 2023 as a joint venture between the Australian Distillers Association and the National Food Institute.
While it will provide vocational training for students nationwide, the initial course has been launched exclusively for Victorian Distillers. The nationally accredited FBP40621 Certificate IV in Artisan Fermented Products (Distilling), was launched on 19 March 2024 by the local member for Albert Park, Nina Taylor with Paul McLeay from the Australian Distillers Association at the Starward distillery in Port Melbourne.
The initial intake of ten students commenced their studies and got right down to the business of learning the course content from the accredited educator Trevor Giacomelli (from Billsons).
A further intake of Victorian students is expected to take place in June 2024.
The initiative was made possible by Agriculture Victoria’s $20 million Distillery Door Program, which aims to support and enhance Victoria’s fast-growing distilling industry.
There are now 188 distilleries in Victoria, up from less than ten in 2014. Forty-six per cent of these businesses are located outside Greater Melbourne, so they have been instrumental in creating employment opportunities and fostering economic growth in regional areas.
Spirits Victoria Association president Dave Irwin said the program will equip aspiring distillers with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to excel in their careers.
“Victorian spirits are already globally renowned for the awards they have won on the world stage, but we believe further skills development is vital to safeguarding our industry‘s future,” he said.
“This is a proud moment for Victorian distillers and we are very grateful to Agriculture Victoria for its generous support.”
Australian Distillers Association chief executive Paul McLeay highlighted that the FBP40621 Certificate IV in Artisan Fermented Products (Distilling) has been approved by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and meets Australian standard guidelines and learning outcomes.
“This program will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of distillation techniques, industry standards, and best practices,” he said.
“Additionally, the Introduction to Distillery Safety course aims to enhance the existing safety culture within the distilling industry, ensuring a secure working environment for all practitioners.
“This is a significant step towards achieving the National Distilling Institute's mission of cultivating the safest, best-educated, and most innovative distilling community in the world.
For more information, click on the Training tab on the Spirits Victoria Association website.