TAFE brewing instructor Stephen Nelson, Prancing Pony’s Corinna Steeb, Minister David Pisoni and TAFE SA’s Kristin Nyhold and Michael Bassham

The South Australian state government has announced a $45,000 pilot traineeship program that will see 12 brewery workers trained through a Certificate III in Food Processing – Brewing.

Announced at Prancing Pony Brewery last Sunday, Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni said the SA government had partnered with the Independent Brewers Association to create traineeship opportunities and upskill workers in the state’s growing craft beer industry.

“Driven by the Independent Brewers Association, this is Australia’s first traineeship in brewing and will support existing workers to advance their careers through practical on-the-job training and mentoring support,” Minister Pisoni said.

“Employers involved in the project include Barossa Valley Brewing, Beer Garden Brewing – Port Lincoln, Big Shed Brewing Concern, Prancing Pony Brewery and Sparkke.”

Independent Brewers Association Director Richard Adamson said the traineeship project was established to increase the skills, capability and capacity of independent breweries, supporting their business success.

“As breweries grow, so do their manufacturing needs along with the need for an adaptive workforce,” Mr Adamson said.

“Our industry’s continued success relies on growing the skills of new and existing staff.

“If the proposed pilot program is a success, the IBA is looking to roll out Certificate III training across the state, encouraging all breweries to take on trainees.”

Co-founder of Big Shed Brewing Concern Craig Basford said his business is implementing the traineeship model to support an enthusiastic employee to fill a knowledge gap and advance her career in the industry.

“As the industry grows, develops and becomes more competitive, the demand for skilled people will only increase,” Mr Basford said.

“Having people with qualifications coming into our industry helps us create a better, more consistent product.

“This is better for the consumer and, by extension, the industry as a whole.”

This is the 100th project from the Skilling South Australia program that has seen 700 South Australian businesses take on an apprentice for the first time. The government says there have been more than 13,000 new apprenticeship and traineeship commencements in the first full year of the $20 million program.

Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider MEGT is a partner in the pilot program.

For more information about the Skilling South Australia Projects visit www.skilling.sa.gov.au/projects.

IBA Director Richard Adamson recently spoke with the Radio Brews News BreweryPro podcast to discuss its increasing focus on You can hear the full interview about the IBA’s plans below.