Technical Brewer

Typical Salary

£18,000 To £45,000

Typical Hours

39 to 41 a week

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

College / University

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

chemical engineering
food science or food technology
microbiology
chemistry

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 r

The following college course may be relevant to this role:

Level 3 Diploma in Food Science and Nutrition

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

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

Routes into this Career

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.

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.

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

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 & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & 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.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

be over 18 years of age