Pioneer Brewing Company launches beer education and training scheme

The two-level Beer Professional Education and Training course has been designed to prepare bartenders, servers and sommeliers – including wine sommeliers who want to add beer expertise to their skill set –  for the industry standard Cicerone Certification Program.

Pioneer Brewing Company beer knowledge and training manager Jonny Tyson said: “The number of breweries and the range of beers available in the UK has never been more exciting.

“As consumers' knowledge of craft beer increases, they need help from a server who really understands beer flavours, styles and service to help them navigate the vast number of choices available.”

Course levels

Level 1 of the course will launch in spring 2017. It will cost £365 and encompass a full two-day, tutored starter course aimed to prepare students for the Cicerone Certified Beer Server Exam.

Level 2 – the launch date of which is yet to be confirmed – will feature a five-day, 40-hour, fully tutored course aimed at giving the best possible preparation and guidance for the best in class Certified Cicerone Training Program.

Courses will initially take place in Leeds and London via a partnership with consumer wine education company the Local Wine School, with an eye to rolling classes out across Edinburgh, Manchester and further cities throughout 2017.

'Global trend'

Local Wine School founder Chris Powell said: “Speciality and craft beer is a global trend, with beer now welcomed in a place once only reserved for wine.

“This programme is suitable for wine experts and those that work in the industry to expand their knowledge into the growing beer market.” 

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