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Cellar technician

Alternative titles for this job include Drinks dispense technician, cellar service engineer, beer quality technician

Cellar technicians install and maintain drinks systems in places like pubs, bars, hotels and restaurants.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm on a rota

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Cellar technician

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly
  • specialist courses run by professional bodies

College

You could do a college course then try to find a trainee job with a drinks company. Courses inlcude:

  • Level 2 Diploma in Engineering
  • Level 2 Diploma in Installing and Maintaining Refrigeration Systems
  • Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a drinks dispense technician advanced apprenticeship.

This usually takes about 18 months to complete as a mix of learning on the job and study.

 

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Work

It may be possible to get into this job by working behind a bar and in a bar cellar.

Once you're working, your employer may give you the chance to take a cellar management course.

Direct Application

You can apply directly to employers and do training while you work.

It could be an advantage if you've got experience in mechanical engineering, refrigeration, plumbing or electrical work.

Other Routes

You could take the Level 2 National Certificate for Drinks Dispense course, offered by The Brewing, Food and Beverage Industry Suppliers Association.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the British Institute of Innkeeping for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • the ability to work on your own
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • observation and recording skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • have a good level of fitness
  • have a full driving licence

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you may:

  • order parts
  • fit drinks systems into a customer's premises
  • check temperature and pressure of drink products
  • find and fix faults
  • train bar staff on how to use new equipment
  • promote new products to customers
  • set up temporary bars for special events, like festivals
  • keep records of completed work

Working environment

You could work in a pub or bar or visit sites.

Your working environment may be cramped and you'll travel often.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could become a supervisor, manager, or move into equipment services and sales.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a Cellar technician right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Diploma in Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Systems

  • Provider: UNITED COLLEGES GROUP
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: London

Plumbing

  • Provider: SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Ipswich

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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