Released 23/11/2023
The ACT Government is working with Canberra’s local brewers to deliver a new pilot project to train Canberra’s next beer brewers.
‘Brewed to Succeed’ is proposed to be a state-of-the-art training program to meet the diverse requirements of our local brewing industry.
“To support our growing city, Canberrans need to have the right skills to get a great job, and businesses must be able to find the talent they need to operate and grow,” said Minister for Skills Chris Steel.
“Bentspoke Brewing approached the ACT Government and CIT last year about the need for skilled workers in artisan fermented products in the beer and wine industries.
“The Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) is now partnering with BentSpoke to deliver a new workplace program to strengthen our local brewing businesses and train more employees in the specific skills sets they need to have a great career.
“This pilot will test the potential delivery of full-time course through CIT, incorporating food production, distilling, wine making and brewing.”
In the ACT, 0.7% of our labour force is in the brewing industry – more than double the 0.3% proportion in Victoria and Western Australia.
“We know our local brewers here in the ACT have been incredibly successful nationally, and this investment will make sure we don’t lose the edge that’s made Canberra a household name in the independent brewing industry,” said Minister Steel.
“The initial program will provide teacher training for an existing expert brewer who will then deliver the course to around 12 students who are employed in the industry.”
“This unique training model could serve as a basis for future programs in other emerging industries facing skills shortages where accredited training isn’t currently available.
“Support for more brewing skills is part of our Skilled to Succeed agenda, and forms part of our Skills Industry Action Plan for the Tourism and Hospitality Sector which will be released in the coming months.”
The program is being delivered by CIT in collaboration with local brewers, following a successful grant of nearly $80,000 through the Skilled to Succeed Innovation Grants Program.
The first students are expected to undertake training from April 2024.
Quote attributable to Richard Watkins, Co-owner and Head Brewer, BentSpoke Brewing:
“The new brewing course at CIT will empower newcomers to enter the beer industry with the necessary knowledge to hit the ground running, while simultaneously enhancing the skills of employed brewers, thereby strengthening and supporting the local brewing industry.”
– Statement ends –
Chris Steel, MLA
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