RICHMOND, Va. — A local university is jumping in on the momentum of the brewery industry.
The University of Richmond School of Professional and Continuing Studies recently began offering a Beer Brewer Professional Certificate.
The effort, designed in light of growing brewery workforce demand fueled by the rise of independent beer makers, is the only brewing certificate program offered by a private university in the state.
The school welcomed its first cohort of 20 students when classes began Oct. 17. A second 20-person cohort is set to start classes in April 2017, and applications are open for 20 slots in its third session in October 2017.
“The classes are being received very well,” said Tom Parfitt, senior program manager of professional development and noncredit programs for the University of Richmond’s School of Professional and Continuing Studies. “The idea is make sure that whenever these students leave this program, they are prepared to handle the day-to-day operations no matter what aspect of the brewing business they choose.”
The University of Richmond’s brewing certificate program was created to guide students through the entire brewing business – from marketing and manufacturing, to licensing and regulation taught by University of Richmond facility, area brewers and legal counsel.
“The goal is set them apart…and make them more marketable for a brewery to hire, or give them the tools to go out and start a brewery venture on their own,” Parfitt said. “When they leave the program, we want them to be fully prepared.”
The total cost for the program is $2,200, Parfitt said, paid in advance or split into $550 per semester.
Unlike some continuing education courses, money alone doesn’t guarantee you a seat. The program is competitive, requiring students to submit an application and essay for review to be admitted to one of the 20 seats.
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