Kwantlen Polytechnic University launches beer-brewing diploma

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      With the increase of craft breweries across B.C., one post-secondary institution is launching the province’s first beer-focused diploma. Starting September, Kwantlen Polytechnic University will offer a two-year Brewing and Brewing Operations program at its Langley campus.

      “We are so excited to be offering the first brewing diploma program in B.C.,” Elizabeth Worobec, dean of the faculty of science and horticulture at KPU, stated in a recent news release. “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 that graduates will bring to the province’s brewing industry.”

      The program, which has room for 35 students, will include hands-on training in beer brewing, packaging, business, and communication strategies. Students will also hear experts from the B.C. Craft Brewers Guild and Master Brewers Association of Canada in guest lectures, and gain real-world experience working at local breweries.

      “KPU’s brewing program is going to be a great boost to the prestige and legitimacy of B.C.’s brewing industry,” Nick Bolton of Big Ridge Brewing Co., stated in the news release. “I think that with the amount of breweries starting up across the province, combined with the training provided by this course, we are going to find that B.C. could quickly start becoming Canada’s brewing capital.”

      Admission to the program includes general university requirements, a letter or interest and résumé, and that the student is 19 years of age by the first day of class.

      You can follow Michelle da Silva on Twitter at twitter.com/michdas.

      Comments

      8 Comments

      AC

      Jan 10, 2014 at 6:21pm

      What will the typical grad of this program earn? Regardless, the education sounds like a more practical investment than any of the arts and poli-science degrees these days.

      Hazlit

      Jan 10, 2014 at 10:22pm

      AC has it backwards. Philosophers can learn how to brew on their own, but have you ever heard of a brewer who can explain the categorical imperative? If we all keep being so practical in the end we won't know anything.

      cathy

      Jan 10, 2014 at 10:26pm

      Years ago we used to laugh at colleges in the States that offered non academic diploma's for just about anything as long as you paid. Any idiot with money could be a graduate.

      Well looks like it's here in BC.
      How much does it cost to be a graduate in B & B i.e. "Brewing and Brewing..." ?
      They don't mention this in the article.
      You can bet it's not cheap.

      Maybe next will be cake making and sausage production?
      As long as you can pay, you can get the university diploma.

      AC

      Jan 11, 2014 at 9:17am

      Hazlit is correct. But many are faced with limited resources and the immediate need to provide basics for the family so priority must be given to education that'll bring paycheques. Doubt that knowing 'categorical imperative' can do that although it might be useful in a discussion with friends 2:00 in the morning. It is sad...but reality.

      Alan Layton

      Jan 11, 2014 at 10:16am

      Not sure whey the comments are negative but given the increase in craft brewing it seems like a good idea for a program that will give those with the desire to get involved in brewing a leg up.

      vincent

      Jan 11, 2014 at 4:30pm

      how nice. kpu fires acp and esl instructors, cuts adult education programs, cuts domestic esl students out of their eslt courses, but launches this program. yes, lets shove the most disadvantaged students out of the way for a popularity stunt. kpu, your reputation continues to fall...so much for representing its much lauded access to education.

      NF

      Jan 12, 2014 at 11:25am

      ...graduates will know how to pronounce "draught"

      University

      Jan 12, 2014 at 7:36pm

      The concept of university has become bastardized. What was once an institution of "higher learning" has become an apprenticeship program for industries too greedy to train their own employees.