Brewlab has delivered brewing training courses and analysis services since 1986. In that time we’ve taught over 2,000 brewers from over 60 countries many of whom have gone onto develop successful breweries across the world. Yet before enrolling on a course students still ask themselves this “Do I really need professional training?”
It’s a valid question especially as professional training represents a considerable investment in terms of time and money. And, if you’re starting or growing a brewery, the funds could be employed elsewhere like on a new piece of kit, for example.
On the face of it, brewing is a simple process. You take some grain, add it to water and boil it. Then add some hops and yeast, let it ferment and then bottle (can, keg or cask) the results.
The truth is brewing is a fine blend of creativity, craft, and science. In order to get it right and achieve consistently great results, you need to understand what is going on at every stage of the process as well as when and how you to intervene when things go wrong.
At Brewlab we believe professional training is the best way to acquire the skills, avoid the mistakes and fast-track your career whatever you future brewing goals.
So if you’re ready to take the next step in brewing here’s ten reasons why we think you should seriously consider professional training.
1. Learn from experts
The role of the teacher or mentor in the heroes story is very well known. From Luke Skywalker, Harry Potter, to Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, heroes overcome their challenges and achieve their goals with the help experts (in this case Yoda, Dumbledore, and Glinda respectively!). Think of yourself as a brewing hero about to embark on a great adventure. Your journey will be a lot easier with the guidance of an expert who will help you avoid the pitfalls.
2. Avoid costly mistakes
Trial and error is a familiar method of problem-solving. Through repeated and varied attempts you learn from your mistakes until you eventually succeed (or give up trying!). While this approach may work with simple problems like video games or a Rubik’s cube for example, in a commercial brewing environment mistakes can be costly. Not only in terms of raw materials and resources consumed but also in reputation. Becoming a master brewer requires a more scientific approach. Understanding theory and gaining insight through empirical evidence rather than errors.
3. Get hands-on
“Tell me and I forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” This quote, attributed to Benjamin Franklin, articulates perfectly how effective teaching works. Ask our past students and they’ll all say they learn more from doing. That’s why our training courses are a blend of practical as well as theoretical learning, accelerating skills and embedding knowledge with hands-on practice on a range of professional, modern equipment.
4. Fast-track your brewing skills
Whether you’re looking to start a career in brewing, launch your own brewery or upskill your existing team you’ll want to acquire the knowledge and skills you need in a short a time as possible. Professional training will put you on the fast-track to brewing success.
5. Acquire qualifications
When aiming to start a career in brewing or secure a technical position with a major brewery, professional qualifications demonstrate the educational standards you’ve achieved making you more attractive to potential employers.
6. Enter employment at a higher level
The global market for beer continues to grow at an unprecedented rate with more and more breweries launching every year. This has led to an increased demand for experienced and qualified brewing staff. Professional training will help you stand out from the crowd and secure employment at a higher pay grade.
7. Build broader business skills
Commercial success requires more than simply brewing good beer. If you are looking to launch or develop a brewery you’ll need broader business skills such as financial management, sales, marketing, and customer service to ensure it’s a success. The right course will cover all aspects of commercial brewing.
8. Receive support from a network of brewers
Take a professional course and you’ll train alongside a group of like-minded people. We actively encourage our students to stay in touch with us and their group after they complete their training. Enabling them to give and receive support from a worldwide network of brewers.
9. Establish strong industry links
Your training will put you in contact with a range of industry specialists from brewers, chemists, laboratory technicians, and suppliers. Relationships that can prove invaluable as you move forward in your brewing career.
10. Continually develop your skills
As customers’ tastes become more sophisticated so breweries must continue to innovate to stay ahead. New ideas, ingredients, and innovations mean brewers never stop learning and continually investing in professional development.