First beer program students graduate, secure industry jobs

November 3, 2017

Local breweries will have more skilled employees available for hire following the completion of the first Beer Brewer Professional program offered through the University of Richmond’s School of Professional & Continuing Studies.

The inaugural group of students to complete the program will graduate Nov. 5 at 3 p.m. in the Jepson Alumni Center.

The 17 students started classes in October 2016. The program launched in response to the surge in interest in craft beers and the opening of craft breweries throughout the Richmond region and the need for skilled employees.

The program provides students hands-on experience in all aspects of the craft brewing industry, from its history and methods to its ingredients and licensing. The program’s 11 modules and four field experiences prepare students for a 20-hour internship in a local brewery where their skills and techniques are honed with guided industry experience. 

The school has partnered with local breweries, including Alewerks Brewing Company, The Answer Brewpub, Ardent Craft Ales, Copper Fox Distillery, Garden Grove Brewing Company, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Kindred Spirit Brewing, Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewing, Midnight Brewery, Old Bust Head Brewing, Steam Bell Beer Words, Strangeways Brewing and Triple Crossing Brewing. 

Additional brewing businesses welcomed the program's interns for hands-on learning. Students participated in internships with Blue Bee Cider, Chaos Mountain Brewing, Commonwealth Brewing, O’Connor Brewing, Trapezium Brewing, The Veil Brewing and Wild Wolf Brewing.  

To learn more about the Beer Brewer Professional Certificate Program, visit spcs.richmond.edu/brewer.

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