How do you get into pro-brewing?

"Luck is the residue of design" Branch Rickey

 

Several schools in the US offer Fermentation Science degrees

 

Gotta start early, try to get scouted by D-1 scouts or even pro scouts, get a good scholarship, go to a power house school and put up some good numbers and get drafted

 

With one starting at Skagit Valley College as well: https://www.skagit.edu/directory.asp_Q_pagenumber_E_586

 

That is an earthier quote but I like it! You don't hear the word "residue" everyday. Or at least I don't.

Cheers!

 

Its all about that first job; getting your foot in the door so to speak. Be willing to work as a cellar hand, on a packaging line, cleaning kegs, or even as a bar back at a tasting room. Check probrewer.com for job postings.

It is highly unlikely to start as a brewer without a formal brewing education. Working as a cellar hand or other non-brewing position will allow you to learn the brewing process so you can work your way up through the organization.

Lastly, there is no substitute for leg work. Every time you are at a brewery, ask if they are hiring for ANY position. Shake hands and kiss babies at beer festivals (before you get hammered). Work to find any small available position because experience in any position at a brewery is key.

 

If the yeast ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.

I would think Siebel or UCDavis first off, but you have to study the biology behind the brew.

Keep it simple for the sake of consistency or you'll lose your customers before you "graduate" to the esoteric styles.

 

Work your way up or go to school. But don't get too excited. Bring home brew to some crazy investors who will use you as a tax write off business...

Use creativity. Don't think you'll start at the top. Clean kegs...learn to clean kegs, bottle,...basically learn the production before you learn the full on art.

Learn to weld, you'll be most useful in brew house repairs.

 

Learn to make sanitary grade welds in Stainless Steel. That is a good talent to have.