The 12-week program aims to nurture emerging craft beer professionals
Boulder, Colorado. • January 7, 2021—The Brewers Association (BA)—the nonprofit trade association dedicated to small, independent American craft brewers—announced today the launch of its mentorship program. The program aims to increase the diversity of the workforce, leadership and ownership of small independent craft breweries by providing structured mentorship and advocacy to those who may face barriers to entry or advancement in industry.
“The Brewers Association envisions a community of craft brewers that provides unparalleled opportunities for learning and professional development for all,” said Bob Pease, President and CEO of the Brewers Association. “With the creation of our mentorship program, we hope to stimulate meaningful support for new and emerging craft beer professionals to thrive.”
The 12-week mentorship program will pair aspiring craft brewing professionals with a group of experienced industry leaders. Mentors will provide assistance and advocacy in key areas of interest including: technical brewing, beer service and tasting, customer experience, brewery safety, event planning, human resources, management, marketing, sales and distribution, and finance.
“This mentorship program is an incredible resource for anyone looking to kick-start their craft beer career,” said Dr. J Nikol Jackson-Beckham, Brewers Association Equity and Inclusion Partner and Mentorship Program Director. . “Similarly, it is also an opportunity for craft beer professionals from all walks of life to learn from each other and hear first-hand from people whose industry experience may be very different from their own. . I look forward to helping foster truly productive learning experiences for mentors and program participants.
Participants will develop invaluable connections within the craft brewing industry, gain access to the Brewers Association’s resource library, and receive hands-on job search and CV review assistance. Participants who successfully complete the program will also be eligible for a scholarship towards their next steps in education and industry professional development. Applications for mentors are currently being accepted and will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Applications for the first cohort of program participants are now open. The deadline for participant applications is February 28, 2021.
This news follows the recent creation of the Brewers Association’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) department. The department will focus on internal and external initiatives, including but not limited to implementing an equity scorecard, managing a new mentorship program, reinstating the program grants for events and the regular dissemination of educational content via blogs and webinars.
Contact: Jenelle Scott (on behalf of the Brewers Association), [email protected], 970-963-4873 x224
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About the Brewers Association
The Brewers Association (BA) is the nonprofit trade association dedicated to America’s small, independent brewers, their beers, and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The BA represents more than 5,600 American breweries. The BA Independent Craft Brewer Seal is a widely adopted symbol that differentiates beers from small independent craft brewers. The BA organizes events including the beer world cup®, Great American Oktoberfest®, Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America®, FLAVOR™: An American Craft Beer and Dining Experience, Homebrew Con™, National Homebrew Competition and American Craft Beer Week®. The BA publishes The new brewer® magazines, and Brewers publications® is the leading publisher of brewing literature in the United States. Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the vibrant world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com® and on homebrewing via BAs American Homebrew Association® and free Brewing Guru® mobile app. follow us on Facebook, Twitter and instagram.
The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, orientation or marital/family status. The BA complies with the provisions of Executive Order 13672 and relevant rules, regulations and orders of the Secretary of Labor.