Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Catalog SVC 
    
2022-2023 Catalog SVC [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Craft Brewing Certificate


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Overview


The Craft Brewing (BRW) program provides an overview of the craft brewery business, i.e. from farm to glass, and is designed to provide students with a foundation of knowledge required for successful entry-level employment in the craft brewing industry. With continued growth of the brewing industry nationwide and world-wide, owners and managers of major breweries, craft breweries, and brew pubs are seeking professionals who have been trained in the science and engineering of operations, as well as those who know and understand the demands of the brewing industry. The craft brewing industry is expected to grow in Washington State as the industry moves away from “factory” breweries (Olympia, Rainier, etc.) to small craft breweries.

In response to the demand for condensed technical training programs in brewing science, Skagit Valley College has collaborated with regional craft brewing industry professionals to create a multi-disciplinary program that will provide education and training for those interested in working in this industry. The certificate program is structured to help students learn brew science theory through hands-on experience in the brew laboratory and at local breweries. The program includes industry professionals in the classroom, industry tours and internship experiences at regional breweries.

This is an ideal program for those considering entry into the brewing industry, as well as those pursuing wider knowledge of the business in order to improve their skills and advance in their career goals. Students will gain a level of industry knowledge that will benefit them in any area of responsibility in the brewery, covering every topic critical to successful brewery operations.

Sample Career Options


Many jobs in the craft brewing industry cross employment categories. People working in this industry can often be found working in management positions, sales/marketing, graphic design, service technicians, lab technicians, bartenders, and food service employees associated with restaurants or brew pubs. According to our local industry partners, job titles specific to brewing are brewers, maltsters, cellermen, bottling line workers, draught line technicians/cleaners, vat/equipment technicians, quality assurance/quality control technicians, and fermentation lab technicians. Working in a brewery can be physically demanding. Many tasks involve lifting, climbing, moving, carrying, pushing and pulling items weighing up to 50 lbs. or more. Due to legal restrictions associated with the production of beer and spirits, most businesses require workers to be at least 21 years of age prior to employment.

Degree Intent and Transfer Options


Upon completion, Workforce degrees and/or certificates are intended to give students the skills needed to move directly into employment. While these degrees are not intended to transfer to a university, students will be eligible to apply for admissions to Skagit Valley College’s Bachelor of Applied Science - Applied Management (BASAM) degree  or Bachelor of Applied Science - Environmental Conservation (BASEC) degree  and, in some cases, could transfer to other schools. If you are interested in continuing your education by entering a bachelor’s degree program, please work closely with your Academic Advisor and Department Chair.

Program Map


Program Maps are an integral part of the Planning Guide. Each Program Map includes a recommended quarterly sequence of courses for a full-time student to earn this degree within two years. The courses align with the appropriate number of credits to meet degree requirements and is designed to help you create an individualized, customized Educational Plan, required of all SVC students. Please consult with an SVC Advisor to schedule courses and develop your personal Educational Plan.

41 credits

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