Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Mr Michael Creed TD launches new Certificate in Brewing & Distilling Operations
Published on: Wednesday, 25 January 2017
A new QQI Level 7 Certificate in Brewing & Distilling Operations has been launched by Taste 4 Success Skillnet, in partnership with Cork Institute of Technology (CIT), the Irish Branch of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling, and senior engineers and technologists from local industry. This training programme for companies in the brewing and distilling sector and those seeking employment in these areas has been specifically designed for the Irish market.
This type of programme is very timely for the industry as it is one of Ireland’s fastest growing industry sectors, exporting over 94% of its output. While the brewing and distilling sector is one of Ireland’s oldest industries, there is now a new and exciting resurgence in demand for fine crafted beer and whiskey. According to Food Wise 2025 (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine), by 2025 it is expected that the brewing and distilling sector will create 23,000 more jobs, increase its exports by 85% to €19 billion and increase its value addition to the economy by 70% to over €13 billion.
Mr Michael Creed, TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine launched this new enterprise-led programme. Speaking at the launch, Minister Creed said, “I am delighted to be here today celebrating this joint CIT, Taste 4 Success Skillnet and industry initiative, which is a valuable addition to the brewing and distilling industry in Ireland. This development of this course shows how effective collaboration and partnership between academia and industry can address a skills gap that could arise from the rapid, but very welcome, expansion in the production of premium alcoholic beverages. This course will play an important part in the training and up-skilling of staff in the agri-food sector, which is essential to the continued success and growth in this industry.”
The Certificate, accredited by CIT, will provide candidates with the scientific and engineering background to work in craft and traditional breweries and distilleries. The modules on the programme are closely aligned with the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) syllabi for the internationally-recognised Diploma in Brewing and Diploma in Distilling examinations. Modules will be delivered over a period of 13 weeks, one evening per week to suit industry needs. With the first module on the programme commencing on 31st January 2017, this new support programme for the sector will combine traditional lectures with industry-relevant laboratory practicals and site visits to enhance the learner experience.
CIT President, Dr Brendan J. Murphy said, “CIT are delighted to be in a position to offer this programme in Brewing & Distilling Operations that meets the needs of our industry partners and those seeking employment in the brewing and distilling industries.”
Mr Michael Creed TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, launching the CIT Certificate in Brewing & Distilling Operations
Dr Brendan J. Murphy, President, CIT, Mr Michael Creed TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Mr Ian O Sullivan, Course Coordinator, Certificate in Brewing & Distilling Operations and Mr Gordon Lucey, 9 White Deer Brewery pictured at the launch of the CIT Certificate in Brewing & Distilling Operations
Mr Paul Healy, CEO, Skillnets, Mr Michael Creed TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Dr Brendan J. Murphy, President, CIT pictured at the launch of the CIT Certificate in Brewing & Distilling Operations sampling the Jameson Caskmates blend.
Mr Michael Creed TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Dr Brendan J. Murphy, President, CIT pictured at the launch of the CIT Certificate in Brewing & Distilling Operations sampling the Jameson Caskmates blend.
Bridie Corrigan-Matthews, Taste4Success, Skillnet, Gordon Lucey, 9 White Deer Brewery and Minister Michael Creed TD, discussing the success story that is the 9 White Deer Brewery in Ballyvourney, Co Cork.
Dr Michael J. O Mahony, Head of Department, Process, Energy & Transport Engineering, Dr Matt Cottrell, Head of School, Mechanical, Electrical & Process Engineering, Dr Brendan J. Murphy, President, CIT, Mr Michael Creed TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Mr Michael Loftus, Head of Faculty, Engineering & Science and Mr Ian O Sullivan, Course Coordinator, Certificate in Brewing & Distilling Operations pictured at the launch of the CIT Certificate in Brewing and Distilling Operations.
Further Course Information:
- A programme information session will take place in Room E15, E-Block, at 6:30pm on Tuesday January 31st 2017. E-Block is building 6 on the map that can be viewed by clicking here
- Programme Flyer can be viewed here
- Programme structure can be viewed by clicking here
- The module commencing on January 31st, CHEP7015 Yeast & Beer can be viewed by clicking here. This module is aligned with the Institute in Brewing and Distilling (IBD) Diploma 2 Examination, Yeast & Beer. Further information on the IBD Diploma examinations can be viewed here.
