If you’ve ever dreamed of creating the perfect pint of beer, the first step in making that dream a reality could be studying brewing at TAFE. Bendigo TAFE, with its innovative on-campus microbrewery, offers a hands-on, industry-focused brewing course that provides students with all the practical skills they need to succeed in this exciting and rapidly growing industry.
Studying brewing at TAFE offers numerous benefits, from gaining in-depth technical knowledge to securing long-term career opportunities in the beer industry. There are many advantages in choosing TAFE for your brewing education.
Hands-on Learning with Industry-Standard Equipment
One of the most significant advantages of studying brewing at Bendigo TAFE is access to its on-campus microbrewery – the first of its kind for any TAFE in Victoria. This cutting-edge facility allows students to practise brewing in a real-world setting, giving you invaluable experience with industry-standard brewing equipment. Our industry-expert teachers, who are master brewers themselves, will take you through the entire brewing process. Under the teachers’ guidance, you will get to work on every stage of the brewing process first-hand, from producing wort to managing fermentation.
This hands-on approach not only enhances learning but also prepares our students for real-world challenges they will face once they enter the workforce. Practical experience is crucial in the brewing industry, where precision and consistency are key to producing high-quality beer.
In-Depth Brewing Knowledge
The Certificate III in Food Processing (Brewing) (FBP30121) at Bendigo TAFE covers everything you need to know to become an expert in the field. Students learn how to produce good quality wort – the foundation of beer – and how to manage, propagate, and monitor yeast which is the critical ingredient for fermentation. You’ll also acquire essential skills such as testing pH levels, specific gravity, yeast count, and viability. These fundamental aspects of brewing ensure that our students gain a deep understanding of the science behind beer production, giving them an edge in a competitive job market.
In addition to technical brewing skills, students also learn to critically assess beer and identify faults. This is an invaluable skill that brewers need to maintain high standards and produce the best beer possible.
Career Opportunities in the Growing Beer Industry
The craft beer industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, both in Australia and around the world. By studying brewing at TAFE, you’re positioning yourself for an exciting career in this booming sector. Graduates of the brewing course are well-equipped to step into a variety of roles, including brewer, assistant brewer, and brewery technician.
Brewing is a highly specialised skill, and qualified professionals are in high demand. Breweries, from small boutique craft operations to larger commercial establishments, require skilled workers to help them create exceptional beers. This means that graduates of Bendigo TAFE’s brewing course will be well-placed to find meaningful and rewarding employment.
The course also teaches students about cleaning and sanitation – essential skills for ensuring the quality and safety of beer. Students learn how to clean tanks and pipework effectively, as well as how to develop cleaning and sanitation plans, which are key aspects of running a successful brewery.
Conclusion
Studying brewing at TAFE opens up a world of opportunities for those passionate about beer and brewing. With the hands-on experience provided by Bendigo TAFE’s on-campus microbrewery, students gain the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this exciting industry. From producing quality wort and managing yeast to understanding cleaning protocols, the course provides the perfect foundation for a successful career as a brewer, assistant brewer, or brewery technician. So, whether you dream of starting your own brewery or working with one of the many growing craft breweries, a brewing qualification from TAFE could be your first step toward success.