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Technical brewer

Alternative titles for this job include Craft brewer, microbrewer, production brewer

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

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 42

You could work

evenings / weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

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

University

You could study for a degree in a subject, such as:

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

You could continue your studies by doing a postgraduate qualification, like a master's in brewing and distilling, 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 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, with the support of 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 Chartered Institute of Brewers and Distillers.

Other Routes

You could take professional qualifications, 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

Career tips

Forklift truck training could be helpful when applying for jobs, though employers may put you through this when you start.

Further information

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

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
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • knowledge of chemistry for brewing, fermenting and distilling
  • 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

You may need a full driving licence for some jobs.

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 raw ingredients and manage the brewing process
  • monitor production and make quality checks at each stage
  • clean and maintain brewing equipment
  • oversee kegging, canning, packaging and labelling
  • develop new beer recipes and brewing methods
  • keep detailed production records
  • manage stock and order raw ingredients from suppliers
  • assist with product promotion to wholesalers, local markets, beer festivals and on social media

Working environment

You could work at a brewery or distillery.

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 become a senior brewer, technical director or overall production manager.

You might also become self-employed and set up your own microbrewery. You can get advice on setting up a new business from GOV.UK and Brew School.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Brewer

  • Wage: £15,704 a year Annually
  • Location: Somerford Keynes, Cirencester
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Applied Science

  • Provider: LUMINATE EDUCATION GROUP
  • Start date: 13 September 2025
  • Location: Leeds

Applied Science

  • Provider: HULL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Hull
Find courses near you

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