TOPIC:

For most of us craft beer fans, this is a hobby, passion, great way to meet like-minded folks, etc. but if you would like to make the plunge into making it a money making venture, what is the best way to start? I'm not talking about starting a microbrewery as I think its been discussed to great length in the megathread, I'm talking about as a craft beer enthusiast that finds oneself unemployed, is it to try and volunteer at a brewery? start working behind the counter at a good retailer? How would you like to get into the industry?

Being unemployed is actually a plus believe it or not. You can get a free education through skillnets that will give you the basic grounding of a cert.
There have been several guys employed through the draw bridge scheme. While you hear many horror stories of some employers just using it as cheap labour I think in this industry (so far anyway) that is not the case.
We are seeing many new breweries starting who could not possibly expand without it. Once the owner has time to bring in more business there in theory should be a job for you by the end of it.
I suggest do the IBD cert and then apply to new/expanding breweries.
hope this helps
regards
shane

The easiest way is to do a contract brew I would say. What Shane said is probably the more sensible way to really get to know what you are doing though.

Ruben I really feel educating yourself by both IBD and on site experience is necessary . This brewers in Ireland are a great bunch and I know many would be happy to help someone into the business.Having some form of education (not home brewing) can save you money and more importantly pain going forward. Also as there is so much government help out there now people should use it

Fully agree Shane.

"rebelred":4ksz5l36 wrote: Ruben I really feel educating yourself by both IBD and on site experience is necessary . This brewers in Ireland are a great bunch and I know many would be happy to help someone into the business.Having some form of education (not home brewing) can save you money and more importantly pain going forward. Also as there is so much government help out there now people should use it[/quote:4ksz5l36]

Shane, I was just looking at IBD site. I would do the General Cert for Brewing tomorrow if I could, but the major problem is getting to London for every course. Do you, or anyone else, know if something like that is provided in Ireland? or distance learning?