HomeHomeThis is an introduction to microbrewing course held at our associated real ale pub and microbrewery. It has been designed to give introductory level knowledge to persons contemplating joining the drinks industry. It can also be used as a team building exercise for groups from outside the industry. The course is held in conjunction with the pub operating company, Gem Taverns Ltd. It is held at:
The Ministry of Ale, 9 Trafalgar St, Burnley, Lancashire, BB11 1TQ, UK. Telephone 01282 830909. Email meet@ministryofale.co.uk.
For more information about the pub itself please follow the link on the home page. People attending the course are called "Pupil Brewers".
Attending the moonstone course gives people an opportunity to operate a microbrewing system, learn more about the business, and to drink some beer made with the plant. Hopefully this will show pupil brewers that the plant does indeed work, the beer is of commercial value and quality and that they are capable of operating the brewery themselves with more experience. This will provide reassurance and more detailed knowledge and experience for a lower cost outlay than actually buying a brewery. A low risk, "try before you buy". Do any other manufacturers offer this facility?
The course principal is Graham Moss, Master Brewer and MBA, with over 20 years experience in the brewing industry, and a certified trainer. Assisted by Mick Jacques, Publican, again with over 20 years experience in the licensee trade. There is plenty of opportunity to ask questions about the industry, both production and retailing. The subject matter is wide ranging, covering;
Safety brief, Introduction to the equipment, Service requirements, protective clothing, Brewery Hygiene, Raw material inspection, Mashing, Run off, Copper operations, Hop calculations, Pipework and Heat exchanger operation, yeast pitching, fermentation checks, packaging, dispense, marketing ideas, as well as tasting sessions in the bar and discussions on the publicans perspective.
To properly operate a training course, learning objectives are set out in advance. These are then assessed at the end of the training. The learning objectives are:
1. List the services requirements of a microbrewery
2. List recommended Personal Protective Equipment.
3. Name the Main components of a brewhouse.
4. Describe the main Biochemical Events during Brewing and Fermentation.
5. Name three important temperatures in the process; strike heat, mash heat, collection temperature.
6. Name the main cereals and brewing adjuncts used in the Brewing process.
7. Describe the interrelationship between the 3 elements of brewery hygiene.
8. Carry out operational measurements and calculations at critical control points in the brewing process.
9. Draw a flow chart of the brewing process.
10. Describe co products and methods of disposal.
Four methods of training are utilised. these are:
1. Supervised hands on experience.
2. Round table training.
3. Course notes with diagrams.
4. Open discussion.
Pupil brewers are advised to concentrate on the training, and it is not necessary to take notes. The full course notes and diagrams are contained in the documentation, along with the complete method statement for Moonstone brewery operation. The hand out is approximately 15 sides of A4.
The course usually operates over 3 days. Day 1 starts at about 1pm, to allow travelling time to Burnley, finishing about 6pm. Day 2 starts at about 9.45am, to allow for a good breakfast, finishing at about 6pm, followed by a tasting session in the evening. Day 3 again starts at about 9.45am and finishes at about 12.30pm, allowing time for return travel from Burnley.
At the end of day 3 the Pupil brewers undertake an Assessment. This is a very short test of learning and involves a short multiple choice questionnaire. Pupil Brewers can choose whether to do the test as individuals or to cooperate and work as a team, as in a real life workplace situation.
All pupil brewers demonstrating satisfactory attendance, for example by achieving above the pass mark in the assessment, or participating in the training in person are awarded a Certificate. This will document the date that the training course was held, and that the person is a "Pupil Brewer". It is suitable for mounting in a frame.
Courses are run throughout the year according to demand. Usually once or twice per calendar month. Sometimes a waiting list operates so it is advisable to book early. (You cant just turn up at the door and expect to walk into a course). Courses are usually run for 1, 2 or 3 people. Groups of 4 people can be accommodated by special request. Of course interested parties are welcome to visit the pub during opening hours or by prior arrangement. To make a booking direct please see below.
To book a place or places on the course it is very simple. Contact Mick, Publican at The Ministry of Ale, directly either by phone or email. He can send out printable course details and offer available dates and advise on cost. Course objectives and Gem Taverns Ltd terms of Business are always issued prior to accepting anyone onto the course. Telephone 01282 830909 or email meet@ministryofale.co.uk
The course has been running for several years now, according to our records over 60 people have taken this course. Of course literally hundreds of people have experienced training from the principal over the years.
The course is excellent fun, everyone enjoys it. Many photos are taken, couldn't possibly show them all here. Just a few, click links below.
Often clients book onsite training as part of the commissioning process for their new brewery. This often provides reassurance and a stress-reduced guide through the early stages of their new business. The training is one to one and utilises the brewery manual as the training aid. The subject matter is more in-depth than the introductory course described above. The "assessment" as it were, is the successful brewing and tasting of the beer. Larger brewery clients might want to organise training for personnel for their further development.
As part of the Mossbrew business we have performed training for large and small businesses in the fields of Team working, Human resource management and information technology, as well as receiving similar. If you would like to develop ideas for other training programs please contact the author.
