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Patrons of the Chamber, MidKent College teamed with award winning winery Balfour to help adults develop the skills to find good jobs and careers, with the employer describing it as a ‘fantastic success’.
Through the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Sector Workplace Academy Programme (SWAP), 13 local jobseekers were introduced to the English wine industry at the Balfour winery in Staplehurst and the hospitality offer at MidKent College.
The English wine industry is one of the UK’s fastest-growing sectors and well positioned to offer long-term employment to people with varying skillsets and backgrounds. Despite living locally, many the those on the course had never considered the wine industry as a career path and were surprised by the breadth of opportunities available.
On the bespoke Job Centre Plus (JCP) course, attendees received industry training, toured the Balfour winery and vineyard, met team members from across the business, and gained insight into careers spanning winemaking, logistics, hospitality, marketing, finance, sales, administration, and vineyard operations. The two-week course finished with students taking part in interviews for roles within the business.
Adult Skills Manager at MidKent College Natasha Barrett said: “This SWAP programme, focused on developing key employability and transferable soft skills that can be applied across a wide range of industries. Alongside this, there was a strong emphasis on hospitality, with students gaining valuable insight into the sector through practical activities, including a tour of the college’s professional kitchens and a hands-on task.”
Oliver Rutt said: “This really helped with confidence, but the biggest thing for me was the networking, not only with Balfour Winery itself but also with the other people in my course. It helps you feel more engaged, less alone and most importantly, you can all put your minds together so succeed.”
Thanking the programme organisers, student Christopher Wheeler said: “The course has really helped me with particular skill sets, as I had a sole employment for the last 17 years. My CV skills, interview skills were all lacking.”
Another attendee, Melissa Davies had not been in work for several years. “It was a very useful reminder for updating CVs and a confidence booster for presentations. And the general networking with the both the group and at Balfour, seeing that the placement was excellent, seeing a real full coverage of their operations.”
Feedback from all the participants was overwhelmingly positive. Natasha Barrett said: “Attendees left inspired, engaged, and excited about the prospect of building careers within this fast-growing sector. The programme has already delivered tangible outcomes, with three candidates securing roles across the winery, logistics, and hospitality teams, two progressing to further opportunities, and two more identified as strong future candidates.”
Balfour also recognised the importance of continuing to work in partnership to connect local people with rewarding careers while supporting rural communities across Kent.
Richard Balfour-Lynn said: “Balfour Wineries participation in MidKent College’s SWAP academy has been a huge success in highlighting to our team the needs and challenges for people seeking employment in the local area. We realised how important it is to explain to candidates as well as Colleges and DWP the many opportunities that exist within the growing English wine sector. As a new and exciting industry there is clearly a communication role needed in explaining those various job opportunities.
“The SWAP academy allowed us to highlight our many requirements and lead to us employing a number of candidates in wine production, logistics, viticulture and front of house in our wine tourism area. To date those who joined us have been first class in their enthusiasm and thirst for learning. Balfour Winery will continue to work closely in our local community with all organisations helping prepare those seeking employment.”
The programme provided an excellent experience for all involved, demonstrating the value of collaborative working between MidKent College, Balfour Wineries, and the Job Centre Plus.
