Certificates, Diplomas, and Degrees
Surry Community College offers flexible training to match your goals, whether you’re looking to start a career quickly or plan for long-term success:
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Two-year associate degrees
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One-year diplomas and short-term certificates
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Financial aid available for North Carolina residents
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Free certificate options for high school students through Career & College Promise (CCP)
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Perfect for students who want affordable, flexible options to start or advance their careers
Workforce Courses
Workforce Training programs are built to get you into a career quickly with hands-on skills and real-world knowledge. These programs are faster and more affordable than traditional degrees—and often lead to strong starting wages.
- Short-term training for in-demand careers
- Lower cost than traditional college programs
- In-state tuition available for Virginia residents
- Some programs offer college credit if you continue your education
- Scholarships and financial aid may be available
- Fill out the WTCE Scholarship and Financial Aid Form to find out if you qualify
- Perfect for adults looking to switch careers, build new skills, or start working fast
Your Future Career
The wine and grape industry relies on skilled professionals who understand vineyard management, grape production, and the winemaking process, and graduates enter the field prepared to support these operations from cultivation to customer experience. Their training applies across vineyards, wineries, tasting rooms, and related agricultural and hospitality settings. Early-career opportunities often include:
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Vineyard Technician or Vineyard Manager
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Cellar Worker or Assistant Winemaker
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Tasting Room or Winery Operations Staff
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Viticulture or Enology Sales and Service Roles
Students completing the viticulture track also earn North Carolina Private Pesticide Applicator certification, a valuable credential for vineyard employment and management. As the wine industry in North Carolina continues to expand, opportunities grow in production, sales, agritourism, and vineyard services, creating a strong pathway for graduates interested in both agriculture and hospitality.
Estimated Earnings in This Career
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Average Hourly Wage: $20.05
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Average Annual Salary: $41,700
Sources for salary information obtained from O*NET. Salaries may vary for reasons including but not limited to years of experience, place of employment, and specific occupations within each industry.
Hands-On Experience
Students learn through real vineyard and winery activities, including pruning, canopy management, soil testing, pest identification, fermentation monitoring, and sensory evaluation. Lab and field work help you apply scientific principles to real-world challenges in grape growing and winemaking. You’ll also practice using tools and technologies essential to modern viticulture and enology, preparing you for entry‑level roles or further specialization in the industry.
