In the ACT, 0.7 per cent of the labour force is in the brewing industry – small beer at first glance, perhaps, but more than double the 0.3 per cent proportion in Victoria and Western Australia. Now, a new pilot project will train Canberra’s next beer brewers.

“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,” Chris Steel, ACT Minister for Skills, said.

‘Brewed to Succeed’ is proposed to be a state-of-the-art training program, delivered by the Canberra Institute of Technology in collaboration with local brewers, following a grant of nearly $80,000 through the Skilled to Succeed Innovation Grants Program.

“This pilot will test the potential delivery of a full-time course through CIT, incorporating food production, distilling, wine making, and brewing,” Mr Steel said.   

Richard Watkins, BentSpoke Brewing’s co-owner and head brewer, said: “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.”

“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,” Mr Steel said.

The initial program will train an expert brewer how to teach. They will then deliver the course to a dozen students employed in the industry, beginning in April.

“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,” Mr Steel saisd.

“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.”