Following the success of TAFE NSW’s inaugural Certificate III in Food Processing (Microbrewing) run in 2017, the call is going out for applicants for the 2018 intake.
The craft beer industry has never been more vibrant and exciting. The range and depth of breweries being developed around the country is at an all-time high and the shortage of properly trained brewers is reaching critical proportions.
The Certificate III course is aimed at those people who wish to follow their passion for beer into a production role within a brewery.
In the first 10 week semester, the course provides a good technical understanding of the brewing process and of the product itself from an analytical and sensory standpoint.
The second semester focuses on the various stages of the brewing process itself, and the third semester provides an insight in beer quality management, food safety programs, production management and the economics of craft brewing.
The theoretical portion of the program takes place over the course of 30 evenings at TAFE NSW Ultimo campus.
Throughout the year, the course involves 26 placements, one full week day per fortnight, at some of the best breweries in Sydney. The likes of Young Henry’s, 4 Pines, Australian Brewery, James Squire and Akasha allow students to gain hands-on experience in their breweries as well as close-up insights into the challenges of running a successful craft brewery.
Students are also trained and assessed in TAFE NSW’s very own 200L microbrewery, producing beers that are ultimately judged at the completion of the course by some of the best judges in the industry.
The course is taught by a team of experienced industry specialists, all recognised as some of the best brewers in the business and the course is assessed using a mix of practical demonstrations, written assessments and presentations. Students from the intake have been much sought after by the brewing industry with all of those going through the course having taken or been offered roles.
To meet demand, there will be two intakes in 2018. One where placements in industry will be provided and one for brewers that are already working in a brewery who want to formalise their qualifications; for this group, brewery placements will not be provided.
Demand for places on the course will be extremely high, therefore successful candidates will need to demonstrate the following during the application process;
- Prior experience in brewing or working in the beer industry
- A demonstrable passion for beer and a willingness to join the industry during or after the course
- The ability to study seven to 10 hours per week as well as attend Ultimo TAFE once-weekly in the evening (5-8pm)
- Be able to attend 26 day long placements (shift times can vary) over the course of the year (weekdays)
Those interested in the course should email Sydneytafe.microbrewing@tafensw.edu.au for further information and an explanation of the application process. Previous applicants should also make contact to ensure they are included in the application intake.