The Brewery Packaging Technology Course has concluded for 2023.
Explore the below course information from 2023 to get a taste of what will be offered in 2024. Stay tuned for 2024 Course registration dates!
Interested in tuition or travel assistance? Find out more about 2024 scholarship offerings and requirements.
2023 Brewery Packaging Technology Course Dates & Format
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: February 24 - April 7, 2023
In-Person: April 16 - 21, 2023 (Minneapolis, MN)
*Both the virtual and in-person parts are required in order to receive the completion certificate.
Registration is now closed.
2023 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 packaging technology. Students will strengthen their technical knowledge as SMEs step them through all phases of the packaging process. This course is packed with practical tips and resources that can be used in the brewery right away.
As a “hybrid" course, students will learn, discuss, and interact with instructors and classmates virtually for six weeks, and then gather in person for five days of collaborative learning, demonstrations, and tours at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, MN.
Please note: This course requires a significant time commitment. Please see below in the "Course Requirements" section for details.
Topics
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Safety & Cleaning: Packaging safety, food safety, cleaning & sanitation, pasteurization
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The Package: Bottles, crowns, can and end, double seam, kegs
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Labels: Bottle labels, labeling operations, sleeved and labeled cans
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Brewery operations: Line design, conveyors, palletizing, coding, packing and unpacking, maintenance department best practices,
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Quality: Package inspection, quality management systems, flavor effects of packaging material
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Data management
Outcomes
- Increased understanding of the scientific principles and operational guidelines associated with beer packaging.
- Actionable plans and resources to improve their brewery packaging systems.
- A network of industry contacts for continuing the exchange of ideas and problem-solving after the course is over.
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 packaging systems.
- 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.
2023 Course Requirements
By registering for this course you agree to abide by the
Health and Behavior Policy.
Both the virtual and in-person components of the course are required. Time commitments indicated below are estimates. The actual time required for this course will vary somewhat from week to week and person to person.
Virtual- Independent learning: virtual lesson videos and assignments (8-10 hours per week)
- Participation in the Packaging 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
| In-Person
- 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
|
2023 Course Topics & Schedule
For a full list of topics, dates, and subject matter experts participating in this year's course view the course schedule.
Master Brewers Members
| $3,899
|
Course + Membership
| $4,053
|
Non-Members
| $4,299
|
Included in Tuition
- Printable 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:
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.
Recommended Resource
Beer Packaging, Second Edition, is the first comprehensive book on the beer packaging process since the early 1980s. This thorough, one-of-a-kind guide and reference represents the many new innovations and best practices developed since MBAA published the best-selling first edition. It is a must-have resource for all of today’s brewers up and down the production line and includes perspectives for both the small craft brewers and those managing small-scale pilot runs for large breweries averaging more than 10 million barrels per year.
Learn more.
Questions? Email mbaa@mbaa.com or call +1 (651) 454-7250.
