Craft Brewing and Packaging Program

Prepare for an exciting and rewarding career in the craft brewing and packaging industry or start your own craft brewery. You'll gain hands-on experience working with industry experts developing and mastering brewing recipes, handling and operating commercial brewing equipment and learning the economic fundamentals of operating a successful brewing business.

All students must have a desktop or laptop computer with a working camera, audio and Internet service in order to complete this program. Students must be 19+ to participate in the training.

Winter 2024 Program Guide - Request Information

This training is offered in partnership with Vancouver Community College, Vancouver Island University and Okanagan College.

 This program is currently not available to international applicants.
Starts: Winter (March)
Length: 14 weeks
Delivery: On-campus and Digital (Blended)

This program provides students with industry-ready, hands-on skills and knowledge to be successful as craft brewers and malting experts.

Bob Haugen, NIC Continuing Education manager, contract and training services

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  • BRW-010 Beer and Brewing Basics
  • BRW-030 Recipe Development and Quality Control
  • BRW-020 Introduction to Brewing Equipment Operation
  • BRW-040 The Biology and Chemistry of Brewing
  • BRW-070 Packaging Fundamentals
  • BRW-090 Brewery Skills Practicum

Completion Requirements

  • Students must successfully complete each core course.
  • Students must also complete Serving it Right (online), WSF-019 (WHMIS Online), and WSF-016 (Confined Space Awareness), at their own cost, outside of the program.

Admission Requirements

Must be 19+.  Prospective students should be able to lift up to 20 kilograms. General physical fitness is recommended.

How to Apply

  1. Complete the Continuing Education Application for Admission.  Forms can be dropped off or mailed to the Student Services office at your local campus, along with payment for your course fees. If you have questions, please call 250-334-5092.

Accessible Learning

Making education accessible for those with a documented disability is a key priority for NIC. We offer a wide range of services, supports and resources for students. For more information visit: Accessible Learning Services.

Program Highlights

This program will prepare students for an exciting and rewarding career in the Craft Brewing and Malting Industry, or how to start their own successful craft brewery.  Participants will gain hands-on experience working with industry experts developing and mastering brewing recipes, handling and operating commercial brewing equipment, and learning the economic fundamentals of operating a successful brewing business.

Career Opportunities

In 2019, the BC craft brewing industry generated $303 million in revenues and provided more than 4,500 direct jobs. Craft breweries are operating in 60 communities across the province. The craft brewing industry supports BC agriculture industry by purchasing grain, hops and fruit. as well as contributing to tourism and manufacturing.

Upon completion of this program, you will have the qualifications for a wide variety of beer industry positions, including:

  • Brewer
  • Head Brewer
  • Production Assistant
  • Brewery Lab Assistant
  • Cellar-person
  • Craft beer bartender

Successful completion of this program will also give you the skills you need to contest various craft brewing and malting industry certifications such as:

  • Certified Beer Server" Cicerone online exam
  • the Beer Judge Certificate Program (BJCP) "Beer Judge Entrance Exam" online
  • Institute of Brewing and Distilling “Foundation in Brewing and Packaging” available through BCIT in Burnaby

Tuition

Tuition for this program is $5,000.

Supply list

Please come to the first day of class with comfortable clothes and shoes.

Part 1: Online classes are scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 6:30-9:30 pm.

Part 2: In-community practicum courses held on Sundays in various locations.