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Technical brewer

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
  • 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

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a brewer higher apprenticeship.

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

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

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
  • the ability to read English
  • 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

Your day-to-day tasks could include:

  • checking brewing conditions 
  • maintaining quality
  • keeping detailed records working with suppliers
  • overseeing technical developments
  • stock control
  • managing 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

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Brewer

  • Wage : £146.25 Weekly
  • Location: Durham DH6 4HX

Apprentice Brewer

  • Wage : £136.50 Weekly
  • Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne NE15 9RU
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Food Science

  • Provider: MILDENHALL COLLEGE ACADEMY
  • Start date: 01 September 2020

Food Science and Nutrition

  • Provider: ST CLEMENT DANES SCHOOL
  • Start date: 01 September 2020
  • Location: Rickmansworth
Find courses near you

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