In today's episode, I had the pleasure of catching up with John Lyda, a celebrated faculty member at AB Tech and, perhaps, an accidental fashionista, with our mutual thoughts on jorts. We recorded live from the AVL Beer Expo at Battery Park in Asheville, where we discussed everything from the hustle and heat of the event to the educational endeavors of our students in the brewing, distillation, and fermentation program. John shared insights on the broad array of internships our students undertake, aimed at providing real-world experience to complement their classroom learning.

John Lyda has been a cornerstone in the brewing education community. With his extensive background and on-the-ground experience, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of many budding beverage professionals. His commitment to hands-on learning and his personable approach makes him an invaluable asset to the Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast at AB Tech.

"We try to keep it where they don't do the packaging, the whole internship.

 Learn a little bit more." ~ Puff

Today on Consuming the Craft:

·     The AVL Beer Expo at Battery Park in Asheville played host to our lively conversation about the craft beverage industry.

·     AB Tech's brewing, distillation, and fermentation program offers students a 250-mile radius to find internships after their first year.

·     Internships are designed to provide a rotation of roles so students can explore different facets of the industry, including quality control, marketing, and sales.

·     The ultimate goal of the internships is not just about learning but also about job placement, often resulting in job offers post-internship.

·     The only two-year degree in the country for an Associate of Applied Science in Brewing, Distillation, and Fermentation is offered at AB Tech.

·     Students who excel during their internships often land jobs and continue to work during their second year of the program, adding substantial experience to their resumes.

·     The Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast offers tours and utilizes commercial equipment to provide hands-on training for students.

·     The college aims to ensure students are well-rounded professionals ready for the craft beverage industry through rigorous coursework and practical experience.

Resources Mentioned:

• Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast at AB Tech

This episode is brought to you by…

McConnell Farms - Taste the Way You Remember. Enjoy homemade ciders and ice cream made from only the best produce on the market. Visit the McConnell Farms website to learn more about our seasonal inventory and the delicious creations you can make with our homegrown produce.

Consuming the Craft

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Consuming the Craft Podcast episode, brought to you by AB Tech’s Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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To learn more about AB Tech and the Craft Beer Institute of the Southeast, visit our website.