The Irish Whiskey Association announced a scholarship opportunity with Maynooth University on its Brewery and Distilling micro-credential this month.
The trade association representing the Irish Whiskey sector in Ireland will sponsor one place on this micro-credential.
It aims to equip learners with the necessary scientific knowledge and instrumentation competencies to develop skills relevant to the alcoholic drinks industry.
Maynooth University created the course in response to the strong demand for an analytical course to support the growing Irish craft brewing and whiskey industries.
‘Increases The Demand For Skills’
The Irish Whiskey Association has also called on the incoming government to provide to provide additional supports to the third-level institutions offering courses – both full- and part-time – in the brewing and distilling sector to ensure their positive continuation and a further strengthening of the industry at this pivotal time.
Director of the Irish Whiskey Association Eoin Ó Catháin said, “Recent reports on the value of the Irish drinks sector show that it now easily exceeds €2 billion, and there are now around 10,000 people directly employed in brewing and distilling in Ireland.
“The strength of the sector, however, increases the demand for skills and expertise among our drinks producers.
“There are now full-time Bachelor courses in Brewing and Distilling offered in South-East Technical University (SETU) and Technological University Dublin (TUD), and a micro-credential in Maynooth University, but we need further support to promote these courses.
“In order for our sector to continue growing and remain competitive, we must be able to rely on our indigenous workforce.”
‘Ideal For New Entrants’
The Irish Whiskey Association has requests further support from the incoming Minister for Higher Education once government formation has been finalised.
It also hopes to promote the home-grown opportunities for this growing sector.
Speaking about the micro-credential in Maynooth University, Professor Denise Rooney from the Chemistry Department at MU who contributes to the course, said, “Our micro-credential course in Brewing & Distilling Science is both co-designed and co-delivered by industry experts and academics at MU and was created in response to the strong demand for an analytical course to support the growing Irish craft brewing and traditional whiskey industries.
“Comprising of online lectures, tutorials and virtual lab simulations, this micro-credential course will be run over a 12-week period, including a practical experience in Maynooth University’s modern labs.
“This course is ideal for new entrants into the distilling industry or those wishing to gain more in-depth knowledge in the area.”
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