TAFE NSW has introduced its first artisan brewing course, hoping to address a skills gap in the brewing industry by launching Australia’s first nationally accredited Certificate IV in Artisan Fermented Products course.
The new course launched at the end of September, meaning students now have the opportunity to learn from Richard Adamson, Young Henrys Founder and TAFE NSW Brewing Teacher.
Adamson, who helped to design the new course, said: “The independent brewing industry benefits Australia’s economy, local communities, and farmers. The industry contributes around $1.93b annually to the national economy, and the more than 600 independent breweries in Australia employ almost 9000 people.
“Now is a great time for brewers to continue to upskill, particularly with the Independent Brewers Association forecasting the industry has the potential to represent 15 per cent of domestic beer production by 2031; it currently represents seven per cent.”
With food and beverage factory workers making up the fifth-largest employing occupation in Australia’s manufacturing industry, the course has been designed to enhance students practical and theoretical skills in the field of craft beer brewing.
According to Danny Warner, TAFE NSW Brewing Teacher, the new Certificate IV in Artisan Fermented Products will help accelerate growth of the brewing industry, teaching students about local food and alcohol safety standards, while building upon their existing practical skills and leadership abilities.
Additionally, the course will support brewing entrepreneurs to expand their business understanding and give them the tools to start their own brewery.
Warner commented: “The great news is that it’s a hybrid course, meaning students can enrol from anywhere across New South Wales.
“Only three classes a term will be face-to-face at TAFE NSW Ultimo with the rest online. Students will also be able to go on optional brewery field trips as part of their studies, including to Victoria’s Hop Harvest. This new Certificate IV highlights how TAFE NSW is helping meet the skills needs of the brewing industry.”
Young Henrys Brewer Jason Adair, who previously studied a Certificate III in Food Processing (Micro Brewing) at TAFE NSW, has already enrolled in the new course to enhance his skills further.
“When I looked at the course content, I realised it was geared towards those like me who have been in the brewing industry for a while and want to grow their skills and careers,” he explained.
“I’m keen to move into a senior brewer, production manager, or head brewer role in the future, so this new qualification will help me achieve that goal. I’m really interested in learning about raw materials management, production management, scheduling, and recipe development, and this course will enable me to grow my skills and knowledge in those areas and help me boost my career long-term.”