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Technical brewer
Technical brewers are in charge of beer making processes, quality control and packaging.
Average salary (a year)
£22000
Starter
£34000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
39.0 to 41.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends
on a rota
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
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
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
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
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
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
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
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Related Restrictions
be over 18 years of age
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
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.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Your working environment may be noisy and humid.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
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.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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