When Alexi Liszt enrolled in the Community Integration through Co-operative Education (CICE) program at Niagara College, he was able to explore a career path in something he was passionate about: bees.
Liszt’s interest began in his own backyard, observing the bees buzzing around his raspberry patch. It led him to the College’s own apiary where he completed his co-op placement under the guidance and expertise of faculty in the Commercial Beekeeping program. Since graduating in 2019, he has made the transition into industry, landing a job at the award-winning Rosewood Estates Winery & Meadery where he’s worked since August.
Rosewood Estates honey products.
This opportunity is the perfect match for Liszt because Rosewood Estates is also in the business of beekeeping. Rosewood is a unique winery in Niagara because it produces mead and has its own apiary, home to over 400 hives. Mead, also known as “honeywine,” is the world’s oldest known form of alcoholic beverage made using three natural raw ingredients: honey, water and yeast. Along with mead, Rosewood sells several different types of honey – which is where Liszt comes in.
Three days a week, Liszt works in the honey production room filling bottles, labelling honey jars, and completing and preparing orders for shipment. “I’m really enjoying my time working at Rosewood so far and I want to thank them for this opportunity and for being such an inclusive employer,” said Liszt.
Alexi Liszt and his supervisor Paul at Rosewood Estates.
Liszt’s job requires a high degree of organizational skills, something he picked up during his time in the CICE program and has served him well in his new role, but his impact extends beyond just his day-to-day tasks.
“Having Alexi around has been very uplifting because of his high level of positivity, down-to-earth attitude and his natural and genuine curiosity towards everything,” said William Roman, Rosewood’s general manager.
“He’s had a profound impact on myself and our entire team and I think we’ve all learned something from Alexi since he’s started spending time at the farm.”
Reflecting back on his time at Niagara College, Liszt had only positive things to say about his experience. “I’d like to thank Niagara College for letting me be a part of the CICE program,” he said. “Thank you to the teachers and staff that helped me while I was a student and in my transition into the workforce.”
