Technical brewer
Technical brewers are in charge of beer and cider making processes, quality control and packaging.
Also known as: Craft brewer, microbrewer, production brewer
- Starter salary£24,000 a year
- Experienced£35,000 a year
- Typical hours38 to 42 a week
What you'll do
As a technical brewer, you could:
- select raw ingredients and manage the brewing process
- monitor production and make quality checks at each stage
- clean and maintain brewing equipment
- oversee kegging, canning, packaging and labelling
- develop new beer recipes and brewing methods
- keep detailed production records
- manage stock and order raw ingredients from suppliers
- assist with product promotion to wholesalers, local markets, beer festivals and on social media
Working environment
You could work at a brewery or distillery.
Your working environment may be noisy and humid.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- knowledge of chemistry for brewing, fermenting and distilling
- the ability to use your initiative
- excellent verbal communication skills
- administration skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a technical brewer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
- specialist courses or a graduate training scheme
University
You could study for a degree in a subject, such as:
- food science or food technology
- brewing and distilling
- microbiology
- chemistry
You could continue your studies by doing a postgraduate qualification, like a master's in brewing and distilling, brewing science or biochemical engineering.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
Apprenticeship
You could apply to a brewery company for a place on a Brewer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.
This can take up to 2 years to complete.
Entry requirements
To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
Work
You may be able to start as a brewery production assistant or other operational role and take training on the job, with the support of your employer.
Direct application
You'll usually need at least 2 years' experience in brewing to apply for technical jobs directly. Employers may also want you to have recognised industry qualifications like those offered by the Chartered Institute of Brewers and Distillers.
Other routes
You could take professional qualifications, for example the Foundation in Brewing , before applying for a job as a trainee with a brewery.
If you have a degree, you could apply for a place on a graduate training scheme with one of the larger brewing companies.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- be over 18 years of age
You may need a full driving licence for some jobs.
Career path and progression
With experience you could become a senior brewer, technical director or overall production manager.
You might also become self-employed and set up your own microbrewery. You can get advice on setting up a new business from GOV.UK and Brew School .
Career tips
Forklift truck training could be helpful when applying for jobs, though employers may put you through this when you start.
Guides for this industry
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