This just may turn out to be the most popular class on campus: BridgeValley Community and Technical College (BVCTC) has crafted a brewing operations program, offering its students a chance to learn the art and science of making beer.
As such, the Montgomery community college offers the state’s only two-year degree program in brewing operations.
Because of partnerships with the West Virginia Development Office, the U.S. Department of Labor and local breweries, students have access to on-the-job paid apprenticeships through the class.
According to program coordinator and instructor Michael Parsons, students will learn not only how to make their own beer, but also about the business side of working in the craft brew industry.
“There’s a big demand right now,” Parsons said. “Just a few years ago we were below ten breweries and now we’re at 28 at my last count and there are several more in various stages of opening. The industry is growing very quickly and with that expansion, the industry is needing a trained workforce.”
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