Vineyard apprentice grows her career with Primary ITO
15 July 2025
Curiosity and a desire to grow her knowledge led to vineyard operator Eilish Herrick signing up to a Primary ITO apprenticeship in Horticulture Production – specialising in wine growing.
Eilish Herrick of Jeremy Walsh Viticulture. Credit: Marlborough Young Viticulturalist of the Year competition.
Eilish, 23, is now onto the second half of her apprenticeship while working at Jeremy Walsh Viticulture, in Blenheim.
In May, Eilish took part in the Marlborough Young Viticulturalist of the Year competition, testing her knowledge and practical skills against other young vineyard operators on a variety of modules including pest and disease, nutrition, machinery, budgeting, and an interview. Each competitor also presented a speech at the awards dinner.
While she didn’t win the regional title, Eilish was presented with the Ormond Nurseries Professional Reputation Award, recognising outstanding communication skills and a willingness to help others.
Eilish says entering the competition has given her a “massive confidence boost”.
Eilish presenting at the Marlborough Young Viticulturalist of the Year competition. Credit: Marlborough Young Viticulturalist of the Year competition
After leaving school, Eilish started her career working at an orchard in Cromwell in 2021. A move back home to Blenheim saw her take on and enjoy a seasonal harvesting role at Delegat, leading to full-time employment. There, she completed her Level 2 Certificate in Primary Industry Skills – Horticulture, through Primary ITO.
In January 2024 she took on the role of vineyard operator with Jeremy Walsh Viticulture, providers of vineyard management, development, and advisory services. She started her Apprenticeship in Wine Growing in April 2024.
“Starting out, I didn’t know anything really. I had so many questions,” Eilish says. “A workmate had studied through Primary ITO and suggested it. I was curious and wanted to know more and understand how things work.”
So far, she has particularly enjoyed learning about soils, pest and disease.
“I’m definitely finding the knowledge useful in my role, and in the Young Viticulturalist competition, a lot of the knowledge I knew already through my study.”
She fits in study by going to work early, or spending time at the library, saying “there are too many distractions at home!”
Eilish is being supported through her apprenticeship by her employer, and her Primary ITO Training Adviser Tom van der Burgh, who encouraged her to enter the competition.
Photo Credit: Marlborough Young Viticulturalist of the Year competition
Training Adviser Tom van der Burgh says Eilish’s assessment work is of such a high standard that she was ready for the challenge.
“My confidence and enthusiasm for Eilish to compete ignited her interest and self-belief to give it a go, and she did so well. Her speech was said to be one of the best and she won the professionalism award.”
When it comes to her role, Eilish loves working outdoors and operating different machinery.
Once Eilish has finished her apprenticeship, she wants to keep growing her knowledge.
“I’m keen to look at further study and work as a viticulturalist or a team leader. I do love the operating side of things. I can definitely see a career in the industry.”
The New Zealand Apprenticeship in Winegrowing (Level 3 and 4) contains essential practical skills and knowledge for those wanting to develop a career in viticulture. We're delighted to include this programme in our half-price fees 2025 promotion. Sign up now to take advantage of this offer before the end of the year and save up to 50% on training fees! Click here for more information.