1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Microbrewer

Microbrewer

Alternative titles for this job include Craft brewer, craft distiller

Microbrewers produce and market their own alcoholic drinks like beers, ciders and gins.

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 42 variable

You could work

in your own business

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a microbrewer

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • specialist training courses
  • setting up your own business

Apprenticeship

You could start by doing a brewer higher apprenticeship with a brewing company.

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Other Routes

You could take professional qualifications. These are offered by the Institute of Brewing & Distilling, either online or at a training centre. You can also train with private companies who offer specialist courses in brewing.

You could set up your own microbrewery if you have the right skills, knowledge and experience. You can get advice on setting up a new business from Business is Great and Brew School.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Society of Independent Brewers for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about working in the brewing industry from the Society of Independent Brewers and Brewlab.

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
  • observation and recording skills
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to work on your own
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to register as a brewer with HM Revenue and Customs to pay alcohol duty. You'll also have to join the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme, if you plan to sell to other businesses.

You must register your premises with the environmental health department of your local council.

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As part of your day to day work you may:

  • create your own drinks recipes
  • order raw ingredients from suppliers
  • set up and monitor beer or spirits production
  • bottle and pack finished products
  • clean and maintain equipment
  • promote your drinks at local markets, beer festivals and on social media
  • take customer orders and arrange deliveries
  • attend product launches and tasting sessions
  • recruit and train new staff

Working environment

You could work at a brewery, distillery or in a workshop.

Your working environment may be humid and physically active.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could increase production volume and become a bigger brewery, or work for a larger brewery company as a master brewer. You could also become a consultant, giving advice to others on setting up in the craft drinks trade.

You could run brewing or distilling workshops for people new to microbrewing or for hobbyists.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Brewer Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £10,982.40 Annually
  • Location: Waldon Street, Hartlepool, Cleveland

Apprentice Brewer

  • Wage: £17,680.00 Annually
  • Location: LONG MELFORD, SUDBURY, SUFFOLK
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a microbrewer?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturday and bank holidays

We're closed Sunday, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.