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Technical brewer

Alternative titles for this job include

Technical brewers are in charge of the whole process of beer production and packaging.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£45,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on a rota

How to become a technical brewer

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
  • specialist courses or a graduate training scheme

University

You could do a degree in a related subject, like:

  • chemical engineering
  • food science or food technology
  • microbiology
  • chemistry

You could continue your professional development by studying for a postgraduate qualification, like a master's in brewing and distilling 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

More Information

College

The following college course may be relevant to this role:

  • Level 3 Diploma in Food Science and Nutrition

You could also consider the following Food and Drink Qualifications (FDQ) course:

  • Level 2 Certificate for Proficiency in the Brewing Industry

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships relevant to this role include:

  • Level 2 Food and drink process operator
  • Level 3 Food and drink advanced process operator
  • Level 4 Brewer

Entry requirements

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

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

Work

You may be able to start as a production assistant or other operational role and take training on the job through your employer. Training could include qualifications offered by the Institute of Brewing and Distilling.

Direct Application

You'll usually need experience in a management role and some knowledge or experience in brewing and distilling to apply for jobs directly.

Other Routes

You could take professional qualifications in brewing. These are offered by the Institute of Brewing & Distilling, either online or at a training centre.

If you have a degree, you could apply for a place on a graduate training scheme with one of the larger brewing companies.

More Information

Career tips

It will help if you have enthusiasm for and knowledge of brewing and beers.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Institute of Brewing and Distilling or the British Beer and Pub Association for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about working in the brewing industry from Brewlab and the British Beer and Pub Association.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • science skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • be over 18 years of age

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You could:

  • select, mix and store raw ingredients
  • check and record brewing conditions
  • maintain product quality
  • develop new products
  • keep detailed records of working with suppliers
  • oversee technical developments
  • oversee equipment maintenance and hygiene
  • control stock levels
  • manage the packaging process

Working environment

You could work at a brewery.

Your working environment may be noisy and humid.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

With experience you could progress to senior brewer or technical director.

You could become self-employed and set up your own micro-brewery.

Current opportunities

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Cereal Partners UK - Food Manufacturing Apprenticeship - Bromborough

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Courses In England

Food Science and Nutrition

  • Provider: HITCHIN BOYS' SCHOOL
  • Start date: 01 September 2021
  • Location: Hitchin

Food Science and Nutrition

  • Provider: THOMAS GAINSBOROUGH SCHOOL
  • Start date: 02 September 2021
  • Location: Sudbury
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