KPU Opens Brew Lab with Newlands 2HL System
Kwantlen Polytechnic University or, as you may know them better, KPU jumped on the explosion of craft beer in British Columbia by starting up their Brewing and Brewery Operations program. Innitially offered to students in 2014, the first class is now in their second year and will soon earn their diplomas and enter the work force.
Putting together a curriculum and jumpstarting a program at any university does not happen overnight and KPU managed to get it done in less than a year. They designed and built a facility, created a curriculum and assembled a team of experts to teach the eager students. Starting in September 2014 students were learning to brew using small home-brew setups at the Langley Campus.
The next step of the program’s development comes from a proper brewhouse for the students to learn on. Working with Newlands Systems a custom 2HL, 4 vessel brewhouse was designed specifically for the school. Even more impressive is the fact that Newlands donated the system with an estimated value of $250,000. Now students start on the home brew systems before graduating to using the full-scale brewery. At 2HL, the brewery isn’t huge but offers the same features, functionality and systems that a much larger brewery would use. The program is designed to prepare students to work in the industry immediately after graduation.
To launch the completion of the brewery KPU invited local brewers, media and local government to the facility for a grand opening event. In a ceremonial ribbon hop cutting, the brewery was officially open for brewing. Students were on hand serving the fruits of their labours. Four beers that were brewed by the students were being served to attendees. Soon, the school will actually be able to sell growlers to the local community as well.
The craft beer industry in British Columbia has changed drastically in the last few years and with programs like KPU’s Brewing Operations Diploma we are set to be a leader within Canada and abroad. The brewers of tomorrow can learn at home the skills they need to run their own business or work with an established brewery. The reputation of BC brewers is on the rise and KPU is looking to up the anti even further.
Learn more about the program at kpu.ca/brew
