​​​​​​​​​​​​​Brewery Maintenance Systems Course​​​​​​​​​​

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Course Format & Dates

​​​This is a hybrid course, consisting of six weeks of virtual instruction (mostly self-paced, but with live virtual discussion sessions each week) and a week of in-person instruction (focusing on tours, group projects, and hands-on practice).

Virtual:​ June 9 - July 28, 2023 (No class July 3 -​​​​ July 7)​
​​In-Person:​​ August 6-11, 2023 (Minneapolis, MN)

​​​​​​*Both the virtual and in-person parts are required in order to receive the c​ompletion certificate.​

​​​ R​egi​ster Now for 2023​

Meet the Course Director​

Katrina Bruner

Katrina Bruner
Assistant Brewmaster, AB InBev

​On a visit to Alaskan Brewing in Juneau with her father, Katrina discovered an exciting use for her degree in Chemical Engineering from UC San Diego. Turns out that a combination of creativity and a solid background in chemical engineering are necessary to sustain a successful brewery in a remote area!
Since that fateful discovery, she has had an impressive range of experience and training in brewing prior to her current role as cold-side assistant brewmaster for AB InBev. Some of these include an internship at Ballast Point Brewing, a master’s degree in food science from the University of Georgia, developing a sensory program at Creature Comforts Brewing, a stint as a quality analyst at ​Terrapin Beer Co., and an MBA from Kennesaw State University.​

During her seven years with AB InBev, she has held the ​roles of group manager for Anheuser-Busch's newest brewhouse in the USA; business process manager for cellars, finishing, and releasing; manager of the brewing and maintenance department; innovations manager; and assistant brewmaster in Los Angeles. 

Outside of work, Katrina enjoys traveling with her husband, James, seeking out exciting new places to drink a beer, exploring all there is to do in Southern California, and relaxing with her two cats, Max, and Myrtle.


​​​Course Summary

In this course, students will benefit from the experience and wisdom of ;more than 20 subject matter experts (SMEs) in the field of brewery maintenance. SMEs will focus instruction on maintenance and engineering technology principles that are the foundation of brewing, utility, and packaging system design and operation, as well as the necessary processes involved.

As a “hybrid" course, students will learn, discuss, and interact with instructors and classmates virtually for 6 weeks, and then gather in person for four days at the University of St Thomas in Minneapolis& for collaborative learning, hands-on demonstrations, and tours.

Some of the course topics include: Brewery Safety • SOPs •Supply Water • Pumps • Chiller Systems • Steam • Compressed Air • CO2 Systems • Sanitation / CIP • Waste Water • Maintenance Software • Floors and Drains • Brewery Automation • Valves, and more​​

Outcomes:

  • Learn scientific principles associated with brewery processes and maintenance systems.
  • Determine best practice system maintenance to help save time and money in your brewery.
  • Consider appropriate protocols for your brewery to troubleshoot and maintain equipment.
  • Gain an operational understanding, recommended guidelines, and considerations associated with the primary disciplines of brewery systems engineering.​

Real-Life Scenarios & Networking:

  • By focusing instruction on real-life examples and scenarios, students will conduct guided discussions and solve common problems that arise related to brewery maintenance. 
  • Students will learn best practices, as defined by brewery experts, that can be applied directly and immediately to their own breweries. 
  • Students will return home with a better perspective on the industry, including a clearer understanding of the why’s and how’s of brewing, utility, packaging systems, engineering, maintenance, technology, and greater confidence when tackling on-the-job issues. 
  • One of the most important takeaways is the expanded network of peers and subject matter experts ​you will be able to continue to reach out to for assistance after the course.

Course Requirements​

  • ​By registering for this course you agree to abide by the Health and Behavior Policy policy. ​​​​​
  • Both the virtual and in-person components of the course are required. 

Note: The time commitments indicated below are estimates. The actual time r​equired for this course will vary somewhat from week to week and person to person. 

​Virtual​ Requirements

  • ​​​​​​​Independent learning: virtual lesson videos and assignments (8-10 hours per week)
  • Participation in the Maintenance Course Community: interact with classmates and subject matter experts (1-2 hours per week)
  • Live virtual discussion/ Q&A sessions
    • 1:00- 4:00 pm central time on Fridays​
    • Students are expected to take time off from their job to participate in the live discussion sessions​

​I​n-Person Requirements

  • Travel to Minneapolis, MN ​​
    • ​​ ​Travel costs are covered by the student
    • A hotel room and two meals per day are included in the tuition
  • Participate in collaborative learning, demonstrations, networking, and facility tours
  • Summative small group project: synthesize and apply learning ​​

Course Schedule 

For a full list​ of topics, dates, and subject matter experts​ participating in this year's course view the course schedule.

​2023 Schedule - Coming Soon!

In the meantime, view the 2022 course schedule for more details on the course. The topics will mainly remain the same, but some of the experts and the order of topics are subject to change.

View the 2022 Schedule​


Tuition

​Register by December 31 to get 2022 pricing, a $100 savings 


​Until Dec. 31, 2022

​​Starting Jan 1, 2023

Master Brewers Members

​$3,799

​$3,899

​Course + Membership

​​$3,953

​$4,053

​Non-Members

​$4,199​

​$4,299

​Included in tuition

  • Prin​​table educational materials and job aids
  • On-site tours 
  • Networking & relationship-building opportunities
  • Accommodations at the class site (in Minneapolis​​)
  • Two meals per day during in-person class times
  • Opening and closing banquets for the in-person week. 


Is this course right for me?

The virtual portion of the course requires a significant time commitment:

  • It is highly recommended that students participating in this course set aside 10-12 hours per week for virtual coursework. 
  • All students must attend and participate in the live (virtual) discussion sessions from 1:00 - 4:00 central time on Fridays during the six weeks of virtual learning. These sessions are interactive so it will not be possible to work while attending virtual discussions. ​

The course design assumes students have some experience working in or supporting the brewing industry as well as a high school-level understanding of mathematics and science, and a basic understanding of engineering and operational technologies. However, if this doesn't describe you – no worries. You can still benefit from the course based on your willingness to engage with the material, put in the extra time that may be required, and ask for support from your instructors and peers when needed.​​

Most important is that prospective students have the willingness to invest time and effort to deepen their understanding of brewery processes and equipment, share their own experiences, expand their professional network,​ and learn in a virtual as well as a classroom environment.​​


Registration

Registration for the 2023 class is now open. Register soon to reserve your spot!

Register by December 31, 2022 to save $100​​

R​egi​ster Now for 2023​​​

Click here to download a pdf of the registration form.


​Scholarships​​​

Master Brewers members in good standing are eligible to apply for the Master Brewers Scholarship. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition for the following courses: Brewing and Malting Science, Brewe​ry Maintenance Systems, and Brewery Packaging Technology.  

Find out more about scholarship offerings and requirements.

Click the button below to apply online. ​Due date: June 1

Sc​holarship Application

​​​

Cancellation Policy

Only the first 55 applications accompanied by the tuition fee, paid in full (US funds only), will be accepted. Course tuition includes educational materials, breakfast and lunch on days of instruction, opening and closing banquets, and accommodation​s. Cancellations received by Master Brewers Headquarters on or before May 26, 2023, will be issued a credit equal to the registration fee, less $100 processing fee, which will be good for two years toward any Master Brewers continuing education program. Notices of cancellation after May 26, 2023, will not be eligible for a refund or credit. Master Brewers reserves the right to cancel the course if a sufficient number of registrations are not received by May 26, 2023. If Master Brewers cancels this course, your registration fee will be refunded in full. In the event Master Brewers cancels this course, Master Brewers is not liable for nonrefundable airfares or ticket change penalties imposed by the airlines. By registering for this course, you agree to the cancellation and refund terms and conditions.

Questions? Contact:

Master Brewers Association of the Americas
3285 Northwood Circle, Suite 100
St. Paul, MN 55121
Telephone: +1.651.454.7250
Fax: +1.651.454.0766
 ​

Brewing Resources

Ask the Brewmasters Technical Quarterly MBAA Webinars MBAA Podcasts Food Safety Brewery Safety Member Directory