Certified Brewmaster Course 2021: 1st hybrid course successfully completed

The Certified Brewmaster Course 2021 ended on 23 July. The graduates finally received their certificates. It was a relief for everyone involved – found VLB managing director Dr. Josef Fontaine. “We worried until the last day whether we could finish this course.” Against the background of the pandemic, the performance of the participants was remarkable. At the same time, Dr. Fontaine also praised the commitment of the VLB employees, who contributed to the success of the Brewmaster training in front of and behind the scenes.

A great day for everyone: On 23 July 20 VLB Brewmasters proudly received their certificates (ew) “The first Certified Brewmaster Course, which place in hybrid format right from the start, comes to an end today,” began Dr. Fontaine in his address to the graduates and their families and friends who were connected to the ceremony via Zoom. He has been with VLB for more than 30 years and has seen budding Brewmasters come and go. But the situation has never been as extraordinary as it was in these months, the VLB Managing Director added. In January, the participants started part 1 (theoretical) of the Certified Brewmaster training. Most of them followed the lectures online. Only a few were on-site in Berlin from the start. The majority of the students only came to Berlin for part 2 (practical) of the course by midMay. One participant, who had to drop out of training last year due to the pandemic, also joined the practical part of the course in May. Accordingly, 20 Brewmasters from 8 nations received the coveted certificate on 23 July. Course coordinator Heike Flohr released her protégés with a crying and laughing eye. “It always makes mesadwhentheparticipantsleave. But this year, there is also relief in addition to sadness. Because those who were able to come to Berlin fin-

On behalf of all students, Naratchaphorn Seankhieowong accepted Burghard Meyer’s present

ished the course safely,” said Flohr happily. “And that’s what really matters after all.”

Great discipline

Course instructor Burghard Meyer also looked back over the past few months. Meyer thanked everyone involved for their support and perseverance. “The hybrid concept requires that all those involved mesh like gears.” But the course was also demanding for the participants. During the online lectures from mid-January to mid-May, everyone had to be there on time for “local time Berlin” – morning after morning, regardless of whether one was on-site or connected from another time zone. “I admire the group with how much motivation and discipline they met the challenges of the hybrid concept,” emphasized Meyer appreciatively. Sometimes, it was difficult to learn and teach at a distance. “But you did a great job.” To honor the hard work and success of the participants, Burghard Meyer, representing Roberto Biurrun (International Sales), announced that each graduate will receive a free ticket for one of the upcoming online congresses – the two best in class are even allowed to attend two events each. In this way, the VLB would like to promote and highlight the exchange of knowledge between the institute, students and industry. With this announcement the ceremony ended and the finger food buffet was opened. Burghard Meyer concluded with the words: “This day is not only remarkable because you received your certificates. This day is also remarkable because we can have a beer together for the very first time after six long months.“

CBC 2022

Due to the pandemic situation, the Certified Brewmaster Course 2022 will be offered in a hybrid format again. The course takes place from 10 January to 22 July and will again be divided into two blocks. The first part will be “hybrid”, i.e. the entire lecture program until mid-May will be held by video conference (“VLB Virtual Campus”). Alternatively, the lessons can also be attended on-site at the VLB Berlin (“VLB Berlin Campus”). In May, all students have to travel to Berlin for the extensive practice block in the laboratories and in the pilot brewery.

www.vlb-berlin.org/en/events/ cbc2022

Contact:

Heike Flohr flohr@vlb-berlin.org Burghard Meyer meyer@vlb-berlin.org

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