Kwantlen Polytechnic University Launches Science of Brewing
Exciting news out of Kwantlen Polytechnic University today as they announced that beginning this fall, they will be offering courses aimed at educating students and prepping them for work in the ever-expanding industry of craft beer. Their Brewing and Brewery Operations course is a direct response to the BC craft beer community’s demand for educated, beer-literate workers. The Guild’s Ken Beattie (pictured above right with Dean Elizabeth Worobec, faculty of science and horticulture, Nick Bolton).
Read below for KPU’s official press release or head over to their website for more information.
Metro Vancouver, BC
The growth of BC’s craft brewing industry has created a thirst for qualified employees – a demand Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) has set out to meet.
The university will launch a series of HOPS courses with the province’s first two-year diploma in brewing and brewery operations this fall. It is one of a few dozen programs in the world – two of which are in Canada – that gives students a full-bodied hands-on education in the science and business of brewing.
“We worked closely with the BC craft brewing industry to develop a program that not only teaches students how to brew, but teaches them how to operate a brewery from a business standpoint,” says Elizabeth Worobec, dean of the faculty of science and horticulture at KPU. “Along with practical hands-on training, we’ll be giving students a solid background in the science behind brewing craft beer, including the chemistry and microbiology involved in the process. It’s this much-needed expertise, from the first program of its kind in BC, that graduates will bring to the province’s brewing industry.”
A current survey of 21 BC craft brewers reveals that over $13 million had been invested in equipment and expansions over the past two years. The 21 currently employ over 400 full-time employees. Almost a quarter of those jobs were created between 2012 and 2013. An additional 1,200 people work in brewpubs.
“Craft brewing in British Columbia continues to experience unprecedented growth, creating new jobs in communities all over the province,” says Ken Beattie, executive director of the BC Craft Brewers Guild. “Our members require skilled individuals with a passion for, understanding of and training in the business of brewing beer. KPU’s program ensures that our independently owned businesses will have direct access to a skilled and passionate work force.”
Beattie was one of the industry representatives KPU met with last fall when designing the program. All were confident that the industry would absorb 35 graduates per year, and would benefit from student internship placements in local breweries. Starting in September, the first 35 will begin learning to brew from scratch at KPU Langley’s specially designed brew laboratory.
The program’s 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.
“KPU is committed to being an active partner in our communities’ 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,” says KPU president and vice-chancellor Dr. Alan Davis. “This program demonstrates our ability to work with industry to quickly respond to the need to develop a skilled workforce for a growing sector.”
The program was partly created in response to the demand of BC’s craft brewing industry for qualified graduates. According to the BC Craft Brewers Guild, retail sales reached $165-million last year, more than double the revenue of $75.3-million in 2009. With the provincial and national micro-brewing industry growing at a rate of 20-30 per cent, KPU’s HOPS alumni will be met with new job opportunities in beer making, brewery and brewpub operations, retail and marketing.
“We see an increasing interest in BC craft beer not only from local beer enthusiasts, but also from tourists visiting our province. As more people discover our award-winning craft beers, the tourism potential is limitless,” says Beattie. “We are working with all levels of government to encourage and support BC craft beer tourism and KPU’s program can benefit a vibrant B.C. craft brewing community through training, and by ultimately creating more jobs for the B.C. economy.”
For more information about KPU’s brewing diploma, visit kpu.ca/beer
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 18,000 students annually have a choice from over 145 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations. Learn more at kpu.ca.
Categorized Announcements, Education