Second Cohort of “Wine Technician” Program Launches at CIU Vocational Education Center

On April 15, the Vocational Education Center of Caucasus International University hosted an event at the Faculty of Viticulture and Enology to mark the launch of the second cohort of the vocational training program “Wine Technician”.

Classes have already started within the framework of this program. The Vocational Education Center (Director - Tea Osepashvili) was established in January 2023 and its goal is to actively engage in the development of the vocational education system and create new integration opportunities in the education system.

By the decision of the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement on August 8, 2024, CIU Vocational Education Center was granted the right to implement three certified vocational training and retraining programs for a period of three years. This authorization includes the right to issue state-recognized certificates.

As of March 26, 2025, these programs are once again funded by the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia, as well as the LEPL – State Employment Support Agency.

At this stage, 10 students are enrolled in the “Wine Technician” professional training program. The duration of the program is 10 weeks and classes are held at the University Viticulture and Enology Building (Tbilisi), while practical sessions take place at the Okami Winery, located in the village of Aghaiani, Kaspi Municipality.

The opening event was attended by: students of the second cohort, representatives of the Faculty of Viticulture and Enology and the winery, the Director of the Vocational Education Center, as well as graduates of the first cohort, who shared their experiences and insights with the new ones.