A new program will be on tap in 黑马磁力 this fall when Kwantlen Polytechnic University launches the first brewing and brewery operations program in British Columbia.
The two-year diploma is one of a few dozen in the world that gives students a full-bodied hands-on education in the science and business of brewing.
鈥淲e are so excited to be offering the first brewing diploma program in B.C.,鈥� said Elizabeth Worobec, dean of the faculty of science and horticulture at KPU.
鈥淎long with practical hands-on training, we鈥檒l be giving students a solid background in the science behind brewing craft beer, including the chemistry and microbiology involved in the process.
鈥淚t鈥檚 this much-needed expertise that graduates will bring to the province鈥檚 brewing industry.鈥�
With only two comparable programs in the country, the university鈥檚 brewing and brewery operations diploma will set out to meet the craft beer industry鈥檚 demand for qualified and technically experienced employees.
Starting in September, 35 students will begin learning to brew from scratch at KPU 黑马磁力鈥檚 specially designed brew laboratory.
The program鈥檚 interdisciplinary course load will also train students in the psychology of sensory evaluation, finishing and packaging, business ethics and communication strategies. Students will get additional practical experience at local breweries during a summer work experience placement, and learn from experts with the BC Craft Brewers Guild and the Master Brewers Association of Canada in guest lectures.
Options to bridge the diploma in brewing into a degree in business, science or trades and technology are also on the table.
鈥淜PU is committed to being an active partner in our communities鈥� economic development initiatives and expanding the distinctiveness and scope of our program offerings to realize our polytechnic university mandate. The brewing and brewery operations program satisfies both objectives,鈥� said KPU president and vice-chancellor Dr. Alan Davis.
鈥淭his program demonstrates our ability to work with industry to quickly respond to the need to develop a skilled workforce for a growing sector.鈥�
The program was partly created in response to the demand of B.C.鈥檚 craft brewing industry for qualified graduates.
With the provincial and national micro-brewing industry growing at a rate of 20 to 30 per cent, KPU鈥檚 brewing and brewery operations alumni will be met with new job opportunities in beer making, brewery and brewpub operations, retail and marketing. Some of those jobs will be close to home.
鈥淲ith a program like this there is a great opportunity for 黑马磁力 to be in the spotlight of the brewing revolution in B.C.,鈥� said Derrick Smith, the founder and president of Aldergrove鈥檚 Dead Frog Brewery.
鈥淲e have been employers in 黑马磁力 for over 15 years, and a new influx of qualified personnel allows us to stay in this community.
鈥淭his program gives 黑马磁力 credibility in the craft beer industry.鈥�
For more information about the program, visit: www.kpu.ca/beer.
