Skip to main content
12th November 2012

New brewing qualification launched for independent brewers

 

The Institute of Brewing & Distilling (IBD) and the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) have launched a new brewing qualification aimed at smaller independent brewers. Known as the “Brewer’s Diary”, it will allow brewery staff to learn in the workplace and give successful students formal certification from the IBD, the international professional organisation for people working in brewing and distilling.

Simon Jackson, the Chief Executive of the IBD said “The last ten years have seen a surge of new microbreweries; both in the UK and internationally. Technical knowledge is a vital element needed for their long term success.  Beer drinkers may try a new beer once but they will only return if the quality is up to scratch. This new training equips microbrewers with all the skills needed to brew consistent quality beers.”

SIBA Chief Executive Julian Grocock said “The vast majority of SIBA members are smaller companies that cannot release staff for long periods of off-site training.  Our priority is to allow candidates to study in the workplace in a way that fits easily into the brewing week.

“We are very keen to help smaller members to take advantage of this new training.  I would like to thank the Mitchells and Butlers’ Sir Henry Mitchell Memorial Scholarship Fund for providing 20 bursaries per annum of £125 to applicants from the smaller SIBA members – from Levels 1 and 2 – in the first two years of this training.  This very generous support will cover more than 50% of the cost of the course and will encourage members to implement staff training leading to a recognised IBD qualification.”

“SIBA members have revitalised British brewing with their innovative, flavoursome craft beers. Consistent quality is vital to their continued commercial success and we welcome the new training as a flexible route to achieve this.”

 

Ends

For further information Paul.k.hegarty@googlemail.com   +44 (0)7808 096250

 

Notes to Editors

 

The Institute of Brewing & Distilling (IBD) is the world’s leading professional body for people working in brewing and distilling.  The organisation originated as the “Laboratory Club” in 1886 and now has an international membership of 4000 people based in over 50 countries world-wide. www.ibd.org.uk

SIBA was founded in 1980 as the Small Independent Brewers Association by 20 pioneering microbrewers. Today, it has over 600 brewing members, the majority classed as ‘micro’ or ‘local’ brewers and its campaigning success – particularly achieving the introduction of Small Breweries’ Relief in 2002 – have established it as one of the most authoritative bodies in the brewing industry. SIBA was renamed as the Society of Independent Brewers in 1995, but retains its original acronym.