Career fair sets brewery graduating class up with industry professionals
Langley campus hopping with exciting possibilities
The first-ever graduating class of Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Brewing and Brewery Operations program took part in an exclusive career fair on Feb. 29 at the Langley campus.
The fair, dubbed Brewing Up Your Career, was a one-day event which linked together the first two cohorts of graduating students with experts in the brewing industry in a “speed-dating-esque” interview process.
The demand for craft beer is growing as quickly as the need for quality brewers in the industry. The showcase was an opportunity for the students to showcase their knowledge to potential employers, as well as to set the bar for what’s to be expected from future classes in the program.
Among the industry experts, the Langley campus played host to Raven’s Brewing, Old Abbey Ales, Dogwood Brewery, Turning Point Brewing, Pacific Western Brewing, Big Ridge Brewing, Parallel 49 Brewing, Steel & Oak Brewing Company and more.
Brewing Operations is the only program of its kind in the province, and only one of three nationwide, so the students at KPU are as promising as a cold one after a hard day at work. There’s no shortage of opportunities after graduation. For those who don’t take easily to the brewing process there’s operations, marketing, public relations and sales. For those brewmasters that do the recipe formulations, training will sure come in handy.
The “speed-dating” interview format was a unique way for students to quickly and efficiently make connections and network with the wide variety of experts on site. If their charming personalities didn’t shine, we’re willing to bet the beers did.
