Brew your way to graduation in the Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management diploma program! Learn the art, science and business of the vibrant and continually evolving brewing industry at the 2,300 square foot brewing facility at Olds College. This two-year program provides you with hands-on training that includes developing recipes, sourcing ingredients and conducting trial brews.
In alignment with the Canadian Food and Wine Institute (CFWI), you will receive a solid grounding in technical, analytical, business, marketing and entrepreneurial skills needed in the brewing industry. During the program, you will have the opportunity to brew your own beer and potentially bring it to market within the Olds College Brewery Store.
Accreditation: Upon completion, graduates of the program will receive Proserve, Food Handling and First Aid certification.
Program Intakes: Fall Intake – September program start
Applications Open: First Wednesday (9 a.m.) of October for the Fall Intake
Length of Program: Two Years
Method of Delivery: On-Campus
Credential: Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive an Olds College diploma in Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management.
- "The Brewmaster program is a great opportunity to gain new knowledge and connect with the craft beer industry. Unique trips such as Yakima during hop harvest, to Rahr Malting and Labatts are once in a lifetime opportunities to get behind-the-scenes insight to better illustrate the classroom learning. The dedication of the faculty to this program has been a positive example to us students. I'm learning more in this program than I could've put together in my own free time. Being at Olds is helping me realize my goals by providing me with knowledge and skills that can only lead to my success in a growing industry."
- Jason Armitage, Class of 2015
Admission Requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older, on or before, September 1 of the Program Intake Year
- 50% or better in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2
- 50% or better in Math 30-1 or 30-2
- 50% or better in Biology 20, OR Chemistry 20, OR Science 20
- Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement
- Portfolio Submission
- Provide a letter outlining the reasons for your interest in this program, your career objectives and explain why you would be an ideal candidate for this program. Keep in mind that this program combines classroom, applied learning and fieldwork.
- A resume detailing education, work experience, activities, interests, etc.
- Submit your responses to the 3 questions below:
- Describe how a diploma in Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program will help you reach your personal and professional goals.
- The Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management diploma program is academically rigorous and demanding from a practical perspective but also rewarding. Please comment on personal attributes and experiences that are reflective of your capacity for learning and your ability to successfully complete this program.
- Describe any experience and/or background research that you have completed within the brewing industry?
Academic Upgrading and High School Applicants: Applicants currently in high school or who are completing academic upgrading must submit proof of enrolment and any available interim/ mid term marks. Final marks must be submitted within one month following the completion of the course(s) and no later than one month prior to the program start date.
Transfer Options: Olds College has developed agreements with other educational institutions to allow for transition to Olds College, or to another institution to continue your education. Articulations & Agreements
Out of Province Applicants: Please refer to the Provincial Equivalency Chart for course equivalencies.
International Applicants: Olds College welcomes applications from International Applicants and those who have completed their high school education outside of Canada. Please note, it is still necessary to meet all of the noted admission requirements, including English Language Proficiency.
Tuition & Fees
- Year 1: Tuition: $5,020 / Fees: $2,165 / Books & Supplies: $1,000
- Year 2: Tuition: $5,020 / Fees: $2,170 / Books & Supplies: $500
Please refer to the current Fee Schedule for complete details.
* Please note that international students pay 3.5 times the domestic tuition amount. These fees are provided as estimates only for the purposes of budgeting. All students should refer to the Fee Schedule for the most accurate information and all fees are subject to change.*
Scholarships & Student Awards
Olds College offers over 450 awards, valued at $500,000+ in scholarships, bursaries and prizes. Thanks to our industry partners, alumni, and friends of Olds College we are fortunate to offer a generous student awards program to students.
For additional information on scholarships, bursaries and prizes at Olds College, visit Scholarships & Awards
Entrance Awards Available!
Entrance awards range from $250 - $1500 for students applying for the 2022-2023 academic year and have a paid tuition deposit by June 15, 2022.
Awards are selected randomly from those that have applied and qualify based on the criteria.
Award will be applied as a tuition credit to the student's account after the add/drop course deadline, confirming full-time attendance.
Not all that apply will receive an entrance award.
Student Funding
For information on how to apply for government student loans, financial aid or for help with financial planning, visit our Student Funding page.
Course Details
For course descriptions and requisites, view the Academic Calendar.
Academic Calendar: Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management
Career Opportunities
Olds College has a solid reputation working with employers in the industry! This directly translates into jobs for our graduates. Opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- Beer Making
- Brewery Operations
- Marketing and Public Relations
- Brew Pub Operations
- Retail Sales
- Special Events
Visit ALIS to find Occupational Profiles with current wages, industry trends and more!
Admitted Students Information
Program Dates
Find out when your term start and end dates are, so that you know when you are expected to be in attendance. For more information, please review the Program Dates & Fee Schedule.
Class Registration
You will be registered into your classes automatically. This will happen approximately 1 month prior to the start-date for your program. You will be notified once you have been timetabled into your courses. You will be able to see your class schedule in your My Olds College account. If you need to make any changes to your class registration, please contact the Office of the Registrar.
Technology Recommendation
It is strongly recommended that you come to Olds College with the following technology:
- A device capable of running Microsoft Office, preferably a laptop
As part of your student accounts, all students have access to Office 365 for the duration of their time with Olds College. To access this you just need to follow these steps:
- Go to portal.office.com
- Enter your Olds College email address and password
- Once logged in there is a button on the right that says "Install Office Apps"
This will give you access to the full Office suite on your computer, for both Windows and Mac based platforms.
Materials & Supplies:
The following are required to be purchased prior to the start of your program
- CSA approved leather or rubber work boots (steel-toed, steel-shanked)
- CSA approved safety glasses
- Long rubber or synthetic gloves (preferably unlined), chemical and heat resistant
- pH meter (pen-type)
- Thermometer (digital)
- Refractometer
The following items are compulsory purchases that are available from the Olds College Brewery Retail Store. These items must be purchased the first week of classes:
- One brewery work shirt with Olds College Brewery Crest
All admitted students are required to obtain their ProServe Certification prior to starting their program - this training can be completed online and costs $26.25. If you're unfamiliar with ProServe Certification, please read their about page.
Information on other required textbooks and any further supplies will be provided as you attend each class. All books and supplies will be available during the first few weeks of classes in the College Campus Store.
Other Important Information:
Time Requirements: This program is fairly intensive and students may spend time outside of class working on projects and brewing. Field trips are also common and may occur outside of regular class hours. Adequate notice of all field trips will be given so students can prepare accordingly.
Student Clubs: SAAZ
For More Information
Our Admissions office can help navigate you through the admissions process and answer any questions you have about your program of study.
