It seems like there's more diverse options when it comes to beer than ever as craft breweries continue putting out more interesting varieties, but the industry is working to increase diversity behind the scenes as well.
The company behind Harpoon Brewery will host its first career fair aiming to promote workforce diversity. The "Hop Forward" career fair will feature Harpoon and eight other local breweries, giving interested candidates from different backgrounds and who speak multiple languages the chance to network and learn about the industry.
"It's about making connections and inviting people into the fold who may not have thought about a career in craft beer, but who can flourish here," said Dan Kenary, CEO and co-founder of Mass. Bay Brewing Company & Harpoon Brewery, in a statement. "By doing so, we hope to help others in the industry follow suit, so we can work toward greater diversity within our community, together."
Harpoon will be pouring a specially brewed beer at the event called Hopportunity Pale Ale. A dollar from each pint sold will go to Career Collaborative, an event cosponsor that helps guide unemployed and under-employed people on building careers, the organizers said.
Funding for the event comes from a new grant offered by the U.S. Brewers Association. It offered six diversity and inclusion grants this year "promote and foster a more diverse and inclusive craft beer community," according to the guild.
The people who work at breweries that are a part of the Brewers Association are somewhat more likely to be white than the general U.S. population, 65% to 61% respectively, the association found in a survey this year. The industry also skews male, especially among production staff.
The "Hop Forward" event will be held Tuesday, Oct. 8, 5:30–8 p.m., and anyone interested in attending is asked to email resumes@harpoon.com or visit this site.