Brewers and businesses with an interest in improving brewing qualifications are invited to have input into a new project to improve skills standards for the brewing industry. The Australian Industry and Skills Committee, the Federal Government’s advisory body for national vocational education and training packages has approved the Artisanal Food and Beverage Project to develop skills standards for brewers and improve qualifications.

Training for brewers and distillers in Australia has been given a boost with the approval of a new project to improve qualifications and skills standards.

The Artisanal Food and Beverage Project was approved by the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC), the body who advises governments and approves national vocational education and training (VET) packages.

In recent years, the increase in popularity of locally made craft beer and spirits has exposed skills gaps in current national vocational qualifications, skill sets and units of competency. The Food, Beverage and Pharmaceutical Industry Reference Committee (IRC) identified this issue as a priority skill need and have responsibility for overseeing the development of this project, with Skills Impact’s support.

This new Artisanal Food and Beverage Project will look at the skills and knowledge requirements in the unique sectors of brewing, distilling, cheesemaking and food and beverage fermenting. Managed by Skills Impact, the project will consult industry experts, brewers, distillers, artisan food and beverage producers, industry associations and training organisations. Together, they will draft one or more qualifications or skill sets describing the skills and knowledge that brewers and distillers need to have and know.

Visit the Artisanal Food & Beverage Project webpage where you can view project progress, as work is carried out.

Your feedback matters!

It is important that training provides a skilled and flexible workforce for the future. National qualifications for brewing and distilling need to reflect real work experience. So if you work in the sector, Skills Impact would appreciate your input and help.

The draft qualifications, skill sets and units of competency will be available for review and feedback in February, on the Artisanal Food & Beverage Project webpage. Consultation workshops will also take place across states and territories to identify the skills and knowledge requirements of industry and embed these in the revised qualifications, skill sets and units. All you need to bring to the workshop is your knowledge about brewing and distilling practices in your part of the industry or job role.

Register your interest in the project

Click here to subscribe to the Skills Impact newsletter to keep informed about project updates and opportunities to provide input and feedback. Make sure to select ‘Food, Beverage & Pharmaceutical’ as your industry of interest on the subscription form.

Alternatively, you can contact Skills Impact on 03 9321 3526, or inquiry@skillsimpact.com.au to help create relevant, useful vocational education system for your industry and for the Australian brewers and distillers of tomorrow.

Your input will build on the information gathered by site visits to various organisations, including The Tasmanian Whisky Academy, Willie Smiths Cider; Charles Oates Distilling; FogHorn BrewHouse and Hope Estate Brewery.