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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

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 Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship to learn the skills and knowledge needed in this career.

This apprenticeship takes around one and a half years to complete.

After finishing the apprenticeship, you would need to build up your experience of working in the industry before moving into microbrewing.

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 like those offered by the Chartered Institute of Brewers and Distillers. You can also train with private training 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 GOV.UK 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
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to work on your own
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

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 a microbrewer, you'll:

  • research and create your own drinks recipes
  • manage stock and order raw ingredients from suppliers
  • set up and monitor beer or spirits production
  • bottle, label and pack finished products
  • clean and maintain equipment
  • promote your drinks to wholesalers, local markets, beer festivals and on social media
  • take customer orders and arrange deliveries

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 people who do it as a hobby.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

BREWER APPRENTICE (Level 4)

  • Wage: £18,000 a year Annually
  • Location: Bristol

Apprentice Brewer

  • Wage: £17,680 a year Annually
  • Location: LONG MELFORD, SUDBURY, SUFFOLK
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

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