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Technical brewer

Alternative titles for this job include

Technical brewers are in charge of beer making processes, quality control and packaging.

Average salary (a year)

£22,000 Starter

to

£34,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on a rota

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become 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 subject like:

  • food science or food technology
  • brewing and distilling
  • microbiology
  • chemistry
  • chemical engineering

You could continue your studies by doing a postgraduate qualification, like a master's in brewing science 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 could apply to a brewery company for a place on a Brewer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship can take up to 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to 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

Work

You may be able to start as a brewery production assistant or other operational role and take training on the job through your employer.

Direct Application

You'll usually need at least 2 years' experience in brewing to apply for technical jobs directly. Employers may also want you to have recognised industry qualifications like those offered by the Institute of Brewing and Distilling.

Other Routes

You could take professional qualifications in brewing, for example the Foundation in Brewing, before applying for a job as a trainee with a brewery.

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 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

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • administration skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • be over 18 years of age

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 technical brewer, you could:

  • select, mix and store raw ingredients
  • manage the brewing process
  • monitor production and make quality checks at each stage
  • oversee packaging and labelling
  • develop new beer recipes, production methods and products
  • keep detailed production records

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

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience you could progress to senior brewer, technical director or overall production manager.

You might also become self-employed and set up your own micro-brewery business.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Brewery Apprentice

  • Wage: £9,984 to £17,846.40 a year Annually
  • Location: ROWRAH, FRIZINGTON, CUMBRIA

Brewing Apprentice

  • Wage: £9,984 to £17,846.40 a year Annually
  • Location: THE SIDINGS INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, SETTLE, NORTH YORKSHIRE
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Food Science & Nutrition L3 Applied Diploma

  • Provider: OKEHAMPTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 03 September 2025
  • Location: Okehampton

WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Food Science and Nutrition

  • Provider: JOSEPH LECKIE ACADEMY
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: WALSALL
Find courses near you

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