Firstly, sorry to bump a thread that is getting close to 4 months since the last post. I confess I haven't been around much, but thought I should at least add my 2c worth
As the above posters have mentioned, the course is aimed at those who are looking for a job in the industry (though homebrewers with a large disposal income are rarely turned away).
Having no formal Science or industry background, I elected to move to Ballarat to do the full Science Degree with the Certificate In Brewing Units as an elective stream. This was definitely the best option for me as the foundation science and being on campus made it much easier for me. That said, people who have signed up and have industry or science background have mostly found it challenging but doable if it's something you really want to do.
I no longer work at the Uni (I eventually had to get a real job) but I'm quite happy to attest to the value of the course. The guys I went through Uni with, or have seen go through the Grad Cert work, or have worked in breweries such as Blue Tongue, Otway Estate, Malt Shovel, Thornbridge (UK), Burleigh Brewing, 3 Ravens, Sunshine Coast, True South, Two Brothers, Coopers, Lion, Colonial, Mountain Goat, AIB, Little Creatures, White Rabbit, Hargreaves Hill, Flying Horse, to name but a few. It's a well respected course, and if you're looking for a job, it's likely you'll be hired by someone who has done it.
I gave up a well paid job in telecoms engineering in 2004 to chase this dream. Today, I'm almost earning as much as I earnt back then (almost), and I wouldn't swap it for the world. The brewing scene in Australia is full of great and genuine people from the big breweries down to the smallest. Having run the logistics arm of AIBA for 4 years I got to meet an awful lot of them, and without exception they're a bunch of great people. Yes it is hard work, yes there is a lot more cleaning and fixing than brewing, yes, alas, you end up having to make what people drink, not what you like. But it is a great job in a great industry.
The money? I've known starting salaries that range from $35,000 to $50,000, and it often depends on the size of the brewery you go to work for (though not always). Don't scoff at working for the big boys at the start of your career though. They pay well, offer excellent training and you'll have access to people who know more about brewing that you can imagine. The training you'll get from a quality control aspect is unmatched. But there are plenty of micro's that have their eyes wide open and the experience to match.
The short course is a really good option of you're in doubt. It's very cheap for what you get, it will help you if you apply for the Grad Cert and while it's a long week, it is a lot of fun. It will also open your eyes to the real science behind brewing, which help some people decide to stay homebrewers. I think Peter usually opens the course with the question "Why are you all so eager to ruin a perfectly good hobby?"
The short course has become so popular that the Uni now runs a second course in conjunction with Massey university in Palmerston North. Far be it for me to suggest the kiwi's need an aussie to teach them how to brew (especially now I live here).
I hope that helps from a slightly different perspective. I'd be happy to answer any specific questions you might have, but I reckon most people on the board who now work in the industry will support my comments. Just make sure you go in with your eyes wide open!
Bradford
