MiraCosta TCI has been acknowledged over the past 8 years for its accelerated work skills programs that help individuals go directly from intensive training right into jobs within a semester. Now, the community can expect an even better use of the Carlsbad facility as we remodel to make room for the Welding I Certificate Program, our award winning Brewtech program, and a new Food Technology lab that will allow us to offer gourmet and craft food and beverage courses.
Executive Director, Linda Kurokawa, explains, "We are really looking forward to having all of our signature work skills programs under one roof. The space for these popular programs will increase our ability to serve our community and add the latest technology - including a second brew house for the BrewTech program. It's going to be really wonderful for the future participants of those programs!"
With more than 150 craft breweries and countless pubs and tasting rooms across the county, San Diego is considered by many to be the craft brewing capital of the United States. On February 16, 2021, MiraCosta College’s BrewTech craft brewing program became the first and only community college program of its kind to be certified by the Master Brewers Association of the Americas (MBAA) making it one of two programs in the state (the other being at UC Davis), and one of only 14 in the entire country.
“We’re honored to be recognized by the MBAA, as it validates the quality of how we are serving our students and serving the industry by putting people to work in a profession they love,” said Carisa Chavez, special programs coordinator at Mira Costa.
As the only program in the region with its own on-site brewery, the program is a true one-barrel brew house with three fermentation tanks and one packaging tank that allows the program to can its own beer. Having a second brew house will increase the opportunity for students to create different types of beer and practice their "mad" fermenting and mixing skills.
The students in the BrewTech program also have the opportunity to submit their brews annually for a national competition. In the fifth year of the competition, eleven colleges and universities from the United States and Canada participated in the US Open College Beer Championship. MiraCosta College took home the Grand National Championship with four gold medals and one silver. In their first time entering the school took home gold medals for their Hefeweizen, Pale Ale, Spring IPA, and Stout plus a silver medal for their Raspberry Berliner.
"We are also excited to be bringing in the most state-of-the-art welding simulators to enhance the regular welding curriculum we offer. Having the simulators in the new lab will allow students to refine their welding skills prior to practicing with real TIG and MIG welders. Gaining confidence in welding is key to skills development and ultimately better potential for job placement", explains Mrs. Kurokawa.
The new food lab will entice our community to join our new Chopped Champion Chef Eliza in making some truly world class dishes and gourmet delights for family, or the start of your home food business. We will also be adding a craft coffee roasting course and cake decorating. Watch for the many new courses in our upcoming catalog.
The remodel is expected to be completed in early June with all programs starting up mid-way through the year. You are invited to contact our department for more information or to reserve your seat in the first class of students to use the new labs! Call (760)795-6820.
We also invite the general public for tours every Friday morning at 9am - no reservation necessary. Address is 2075 Las Palmas Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92011.