Brewers hit the books in state's first craft brewing course at TAFE Queensland

Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher said TAFE Queensland’s Certificate III in Food Processing (Brewing)(FBP30117) is designed to skill up the industry and create tomorrow’s award-winning brewers.

“The first cohort of aspiring and current Queensland brewers will benefit from the introduction of the new course and access to experienced brewing mentors to teach the art of craft brewing,” Mr Butcher said.

“They will gain the qualifications they need for the craft brewing workforce and give breweries access to highly skilled brewers."

Mr Butcher also said two craft beer teachers were also recently appointed to deliver the course.

“Steve ‘Hendo’ Henderson is a head brewer, trainer and mentor with extensive experience as a consultant, while John Meehan holds a Bachelor of Science, and has extensive brewing experience in a number of breweries in both Australia and the United Kingdom," he continued.

“I’m pleased to have these two teachers with so much industry experience ready to deliver on one of the actions from the Queensland Craft Brewing Strategy, designed to grow the state’s craft brewing sector."

“And alongside this new course, we have the Queensland BrewLab facility open for business, with a newly installed brewing equipment ready to help Queensland brewers test and improve their beer recipes."

“There are already close to 100 craft breweries in Queensland, each employing about 20 workers, so if we invest in and grow the industry, we’re creating more jobs.”

Minister for Training and Skills Shannon Fentiman said together the two brewing teachers have over 40 years’ brewing experience, in Queensland, nationally and internationally.

“These teachers have a passion for the industry, and they are keen to pass on their extensive knowledge at the new state-of-the-art brewing facilities,” Ms Fentiman said.

TAFE Queensland Chief Executive Mary Campbell said many budding brewers were interested in securing a spot in the highly sought-after course.

“We are excited to have the new course up and running and delighted to have seen so many applications and expressions of interest," Ms Campbell said.

Steve ‘Hendo’ Henderson said the students will not only be working with two very keen brewers, they are among the first to use the phenomenal new Queensland BrewLab, a facility established to help brewers improve their brewing skills.

“What a fantastic opportunity to learn the ins and outs of brewing at the new state-of-the-art facility,” Hendo said.

John Meehan said the course provides a unique opportunity to the first group of students, putting theory into practice while using brewing, fermentation and packaging equipment at the new Queensland BrewLab.

“This is the first formal beer-making qualification through TAFE Queensland and a great time to ride the wave of the Queensland craft beer economy,” he said.

To register your interest in using the Queensland BrewLab, visit qld.gov.au/brewlab.